Bullpen Relief

The Phillies remade their bullpen on Friday, and it's about freaking time. Opponents are slashing .347/.409/.594/1.003 against Phillies relievers. So Matt Klentak finally got off his ass and did something. Will it help? The new guys HAVE to be better than the assortment of crap they've been trotting out there this season.

The Nick Pivetta era in Philadelphia is joyously over, as he and farmhand Connor Seabold were sent to the Red Sox for closer Brandon Workman and reliever Heath Hembree. Workman was fantastic last year, posting a 2.26 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. He's also a free agent at the end of the season. Hembree's ERA is 5.59, but he's struck out 10 in 9.2 innings and he's given up two homers. 

David Hale is the other new guy, acquired from the Yankees for pitcher Addison Russ, who wasn't a top prospect but had very good numbers. You have to give up something to get something, I guess. Not sure Hale is worth getting. 

The new guys have thrown 23.1 innings so far this year and allowed 11 runs. The Phillies bullpen has allowed a staggering 63 runs in 69.1 innings, which is three more runs than Phillies starters in 44 fewer innings. Hopefully we've seen the last of Reggie McClain and Cole Irvin and their ilk. 

Klentak had to do something. His job is likely on the line.