TODAY: Neshek is dealing with rotator cuff inflammation, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Breen tweets. Neshek will “be out for a little while,” though the team doesn’t believe the injury will threaten his season.
SATURDAY: Phillies reliever Pat Neshek is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters including Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia (Twitter link). He is dealing with shoulder soreness.
The specifics of the malady aren’t clear, but caution is typically the wisest course when that particular joint is involved. Neshek, 38, had an excellent record of durability before running into some health issues last year.
It’s hard not to notice that the veteran hurler has had a few rough outings of late. In particular, he allowed three runs and two long balls in his latest appearance, bumping his season-long ERA from 3.24 to 4.67.
There have been some changes in the underlying numbers for Neshek, though it’s hard to know precisely what they mean in such a short sample. Neshek has only nine strikeouts on the year, but he has also allowed only a single walk in his 17 1/3 innings. His swinging-strike rate has dipped to 8.9%, markedly lower than his recent levels. And the typically flyball heavy sidearmer has drawn more grounders than usual, even while allowing homers at a greater rate (16.0% HR/FB) than ever before.
The Phillies need to go get Kimbrel. Their bullpen is a joke. Neshek pitches when he feels like it. Most of the time he is not available when he’s needed. The other night against the Cubs he was needed, but was unavailable. Kapler did not have an experienced closer available at the end of the game and Neschek should have been an option, but he was unavailable because he warmed up in the pen the night before. His limited availability is costing the Phillies games. Time to move on Klentak!
He’s clearly been hurt. Not sure why he wasn’t put on the DL earlier
I wouldn’t call their bullpen joke. They’ve had their ups and downs. Velasquez could be a serious weapon if he’s given the opportunity to be the swing man.
The lack of a true closer still is evident. Neris has earned the job but it seems to be an adventure with him more times than not
Yea, and V man got hit around like a pinata today!
That kind of day
Lots of teams need Kimbrel, though I think it would be a mistake. He started slipping last year and you can’t ignore that in a reliever. Sad for him, but he’s out of time…..
Kimbrel is going to land with the Braves. Bank on it. Better get on the phone with the Giants and be prepared to be robbed … then pray Austin Riley cools down some.
Before the season it was said the bullpen was a strength, a combination of vets and youth blended to contend. Ok, then Robertson and Hunter go on the shelf, a parade of pitchers go on and off the IL and a different troop up and down from aaa. The guys left have no defined roles still, high leverage, analytics and now it’s an overall shaky bullpen. Their OAV ranks in the mid 20’s, not a contender’s #.
I fully understand Kapler’s approach ON PAPER, but he’s dealing with different cultures, backgrounds and personalities. Not all the pitchers may be on board with what his IPAD shows him…..And his track record as a bullpen-manager is not playoff worthy anyway. I am not saying he won’t get it, but taking that “closer” option out of his hands and use Domingez, Neris, Morgan et al in different high-leverage situations may benefit the team.
So please Klentak, give Kimbrall a loooong look….
The Phillies have the best bullpen in that division….some joke. Nerris has been lights outs. Getting Robertson back will be like accuiring kimbrel.
Kimbrel isn’t the answer. Would I take him? Absolutely. But if you sign him for the deal he’s going to end up getting them your only fixing a short term problem with a long term problem.
The reality is they need at least one starter and at least one bullpen piece, not only this year but next. And there are long term extensions that need to be planned for Hoskins and Realmuto, plus potential holes to fill at third base and centerfield. Going over the luxury tax is fine, but for the right guy. If you make a move out of desperation that takes you into that territory then you’re really handcuffing yourself. Just ask Theo Epstein how much he’s loving life with Chatsood, Heyward and Darvish on his roster.
Neshek will hardly be missed because he hardly pitches. Their best bet is to hang in their until the deadline and hope that you get Robertson and Hunter back. If you don’t, then you make a move for a few guys. Let’s see what JD Hammer can do.
i think moving Vinny V to the bullpen could solve a lot of problems.
the bullpen is okay. let neshek heal, we have plenty of AAA options.
He’s old, he’s done…..