Zach Eflin eyeing return to the Phillies this season, but not as a member of the starting rotation
We are certainly aware that everyone is down bad on the Philadelphia Phillies right now, after they have gotten embarrassed in Arizona over the past two games. However, we do have somewhat of a positive update this morning regarding Zach Eflin.
Eflin appears to be one step closer to returning to the Phillies pitching staff as we enter the final month of the 2022 MLB season. The kicker? It looks like he will be returning as a member of the bullpen, rather than rejoining the starting rotation.
Prior to Tuesday night’s game, Eflin threw a bullpen session for the first time in over three weeks. Although he threw just 20 pitches, Eflin said he felt good.
The road has been tough for Zach Eflin, and this season hasn’t made it any easier, but he does have a goal set to return to the Phillies as a part of the bullpen for the hopeful playoff run this October.
“Just sitting here, watching everything happen. So if I don’t come back as a starter, I’m completely fine with that. I just want to be a part of it.”
DraftKings Cheat Code – Bet $5, Get $200 FREE
Here’s the deal, new users create a DraftKings account and place a $5.00 bet on any NFL or College Football futures bet. Once you do that, you’ll get $200 INSTANTLY to use on any other wagers you want to place, no matter the sport. You’re welcome.
Zach Eflin is in his 7th season with the Phillies and has truly been through it all with this team. He’s one of the longest-tenured Phillies, just behind Aaron Nola, and has been dealing with chronic knee issues his whole life.
This season is Eflin’s last season under contract with the Phillies, and in a season where Eflin was supposed to show the team that he belongs on this team in the future, he was able to log just 68 innings.
Eflin has an option with the team, but at this point in time, it seems that won’t be exercised by the Phillies organization this offseason.
“I really want to be a part of this…It’s really hard being the first one at the field and not being able to contribute that night…just sit there all day, I try to be a part of it. So I’ve done everything I can to stay in the moment and be a good teammate and do everything I can on that side of the game.”
Zach Eflin started his season strong, throwing a 3.20 ERA in 4 April starts, allowing just 7 earned runs and 18 hits in 19.2 innings. He struggled in May but found his footing back in June before he was sent to the IL, throwing 25 innings in June, allowing just 4 homers and 11 earned runs in five starts.
The Phillies will more than likely be going in a different direction this offseason, so it’s hard to believe that Eflin has any chance of pitching again as a starter for the Phillies. The Phillies are getting younger and have three top pitching prospects awaiting their chances at the major league level.
Zach Eflin has thrown 651 innings for the Phillies in seven seasons, holding a career ERA of 4.53. Getting Eflin back as a reliever (if fully healthy) would be great for the Phillies, as they’re currently dealing with an injured Seranthony Dominguez and Corey Knebel, who is out for the remainder of the season.
Up Next for the Phillies
It hasn’t been pretty for the Phillies in Arizona, and they’ll try to avoid getting swept tonight at 9:40.
Additional Sportsbook Offers
