Beware of Baseballs Leaving the Field of Play

The Gopher Ball Gang, also known as the Phillies pitching staff, was at it again last night. But it was a break from Monday, when they allowed a record eight home runs. Rookie J.D. Hammer allowed just one HR last night.

Phillies pitchers have allowed a staggering 109 home runs in just 67 games, which is 1.6 per game. They're on a pace to give up 264 home runs for the season, which would be the most since 2017 when they allowed 217.

How quickly are they giving up home runs? One every 5.5 innings. Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez are the biggest offenders, allowing 2.5 and 2.3 HR per 9 innings pitched. Eickhoff and Velasquez have been removed from the starting rotation. I'm not sure there's anyone in the minors who can keep the ball in the yard, so the Phillies will need to trade for a starter.

I'd target younger, controllable guys, who unfortunately, would cost a lot in a trade. But you have to spend to get what you want. Some names to consider:
- Spencer Turnbull, Tigers. He's 3-5 with a 2.78 ERA and a WHIP of 1.262 and just 6 HR allowed in 77 innings.
- Frankie Montas, A's. No chance Oakland trades him but it never hurts to ask. He's 8-2 with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.184 WHIP.
- Tanner Roark, Reds. 4-5, 3.74 ERA and 1.411 WHIP.  He's 32 and doesn't fit the young arm profile, but might be worth a look. For his career, he's allowed less than 1 HR per 9 innings.