Wasn't Nicasio perfect for like 20 games or something? That's relief pitching. He shouldn't be the second or third-best option, obviously. The big question remains whether they can really expect to get what they already have back or if they need multiple upgrades. Obviously nobody young has emerged as the new Seranthony (or even the new Neris two years ago) this time. We should be so lucky that they become deep enough that they could finally cut ties with him and his salary (possibly they could include him in a high-$ deadline deal).
If you look hard at the past month it's really been the starting pitching, with the shorthanded offense unable to compensate. They really only have two consistent starters and Nola was bumpy for a while too (but the offense won most of his starts). Getting another starter is not simply about filling that #5 spot - it's someone who would start a Game 2 or 3 ahead of Arrieta or Eflin, possibly.
The Phillies play the Braves 7 times in September and three games in late July. I hope they win this series but so long as they stay in 5 game range (and ideally make all their trades before that July series) they won't be in bad shape. And as ever, while we gripe, they're still a wild card team, and probably still better than the 2007-2010 teams were at many points in the season.
