Jun 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jimmy Rollins against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
From the beginning, to right now; let’s breakdown Phillies young SP Zach Eflin.
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On December 19th, 2014, Philadelphia Phillies’ fans had to say goodbye to their beloved starting shortstop, Jimmy Rollins. In his brilliant career, Rollins led the team on and off the field and was a pivotal part in the 2008 World Series Championship.
While many fans, like myself, miss Rollins on a daily basis, we must remember that players can not play at a high level for their whole career and it was time for J-Roll to move on.
In the trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies acquired the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, Zach Eflin.
Minor League Success
In his first full season with the Phillies Double-A affiliate, The Reading Fighting Phils, Eflin was able to pitch to a 3.69 ERA in 23 games. He followed up this success by improving in his first season with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate.
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In 11 games with the Iron Pigs, Eflin was lights out. He was able to register 55 strikeouts in 68 innings, while pitching to a 2.90 ERA. This continued success in the minor leagues allowed Phillies’ fans to gain some hope that the man who they traded their leader will be their next top of the rotation pitcher.
Jul 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Eflin’s Rookie Season
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On June 14th, 2016, Zach Eflin was called-up to the Philadelphia Phillies to start against the Toronto Blue Jays.
While players say they will never forget the first time they were able to take the mound for a Major League team, Zach Eflin may want to forget this memory. Eflin was tagged for nine runs (eight earned) in two and two-thirds inning pitched.
This was documented as one of the worst Major League debuts in history. He began an uphill battle to Major League supremacy by starting his career with a 27.00 ERA. Eflin’s month of June was not any easier. He finished the month with a 1-3 record and a 5.75 ERA.
In July, as the temperature got hotter, so did Eflin. In his second career start at Citizen’s Bank Park, Eflin threw his first career complete game. He allowed six hits, one being a home run to former Phillies rule-5 selection, Ender Inciarte.
Aside from that pitch, Eflin’s control was flawless. He continued the hot start to his month of July by quieting the Colorado Rockies’ at hitter-friendly Coors’ Field by only allowing two runs in seven innings.
Jul 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) reacts after getting Powerade dumped on him by right fielder Jimmy Paredes (41) and second baseman Andres Blanco (4)after beating the Atlanta Braves and picking up his first major league win at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Shutout
After a July 17th start, in which Eflin allowed three earned runs in five innings against the New York Mets, he had a start he will never remember forever. On July 22nd, Eflin took the mound at PNC Bank Park in Pittsburgh. From the first pitch he threw, Eflin was untouchable. He threw 100 pitches en route to his first career Major League shutout. He allowed just three hits and zero walks.
Unfortunately, Eflin never pitched the same in his following three starts. In those three games, Eflin allowed 20 earned runs in just 13 innings of work. Zach Eflin was placed on the disabled list with knee tendonitis, thus ending his rookie season shortly after an August 8th start against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jul 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Analysis
While there were some dreadful performances, I believe Zach Eflin showed potential and flashes of brilliance. One thing that must be monitored is Eflin’s health. According to multiple reports, Eflin has struggled with knee pain and inflammation for the past decade. If he can overcome this, he looks like the perfect third or fourth starter for the Phillies this season.
With his great size and strong fastball, Eflin looks like he has a place in the Phillies future. Adding another pitch to his repertoire is a must, as he threw his fastball 41% of the time last season. His change-up showed promise at times, but was only used 8% of the time.
Ultimately, fans may never be over Jimmy Rollins, but they should have hope that Zach Eflin will work to be a valuable piece to the Phillies‘ future. He will look to earn a pivotal role in a rotation that currently features Jeremy Hellickson, Jared Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, Aaron Nola, and Jake Thompson.
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