The Phillies are making changes to their bullpen due to ongoing struggles. Hector Neris will no longer be the closer, and Jose Alvarado will take on that role. Neris has struggled in recent outings, allowing runs and blowing leads. The team is hoping that Alvarado can provide a solution to the ongoing bullpen issues.
A Struggling Phillies Bullpen
The Phillies bullpen has struggled, blowing 12 save opportunities, which is the third-highest in the league. Injuries have affected the bullpen, with Seranthony Dominguez and JoJo Romero undergoing Tommy John surgery. Archie Bradley, a free agent acquisition, had reduced strikeouts and increased walks. Brandon Kintzler is currently sidelined for 17 days due to a neck strain.
Alvarado will replace a struggling Hector Neris
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[/caption]Jose Alvarado steps into the closer role, despite some control issues. Girardi hopes he can find consistency. With a powerful four-pitch arsenal, including a 100-plus mph fastball, Alvarado holds a 5-0 record with a 2.70 ERA and two saves in 29 appearances this season. In 26 2/3 innings, he has recorded 36 strikeouts and 23 walks. He recently had a strong performance, pitching five innings without giving up a run and registering eight strikeouts, while allowing just one hit and one walk. Compared to his counterpart, Alvarado appears to be the more effective choice.
It’s crucial for the Phillies to make changes as they currently endure a four-game losing streak, losing seven of their past 10 games and falling behind the Nationals in the division.
