22 Atlanta Braves (Fried) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Suárez, R)

zambonir 2022-09-23 04:04:34 UTC #101

that's pretty funny. we even had the AL game out in Oregon. why even have a split broadcast when it's the same time zone/general region?

andyb 2022-09-23 11:43:17 UTC #102

It was a little weird watching on the MLB app as whenever the main telecast went to the Yankees game for Judge's AB they stayed with the Phillies game after an awkward pause from the announcers.

zambonir 2022-09-23 16:39:04 UTC #103

yeah I kind of forgot that it wasn't just about the Yankees (or Yankees-Red Sox). But again, why even split the broadcast? I guess that's just what the contract calls for (including paying two crews).

Austinfan 2022-09-23 21:27:10 UTC #104

That was the best Ranger has looked since last year against a top lineup.

Starting to wonder if both Eflin and the Phillies may see him as a RP going forward, easier to manage the load on his knees, and he probably can't hold up for 20+ starts.

flyers19rw 2022-09-23 22:02:41 UTC #105

It's a real shame with Eflin and his knees. When you see him throw the ball, he has what it takes to be a solid middle of the rotation guy. If he could handle RP, that would solve a problem for the club. IDK if he sees himself at that place yet.

andyb 2022-09-23 22:18:08 UTC #106

He is worth much, much more in the free agent market as a starter. There is also no reason to think a reliever's workload would be any better on his knees long term. Making 50-60 appearances and warming up 10+ more times is pretty taxing in itself.

I am just happy he is useful now. He can play this role for a month potentially. We will still never know if he would hold up for a season in it. No time to build him up, however, so might as well use him in this way. Right now they are seeing if he fits into the playoff picture (and early returns say he does).

Austinfan 2022-09-23 23:09:39 UTC #107

Not sure what he's worth, he might not get offered more than 1 year deals the rest of his career, and how do you value a pitcher unlikely to give you 20 starts (i.e. you need 7 starters b/c you know he'll break down).

zambonir 2022-09-24 00:48:51 UTC #108

He just isn't going to be able to pitch enough as a reliever for some team to give him Jeurys Familia money, let alone Corey Knebel money. As a starter he is guaranteed the former (having made $5.7 million this year) and could easily make the latter (or more with incentives).

Now, perhaps the Phillies could make him a creative offer that includes incentives for both games started and relief appearances. But if you do that, he'll want to be a starter. And if there's one team out of 29 that wants him as a starter, they'll have the best offer. It's not like with Brett Myers' time in the bullpen - similar situation as far as injuries, but he had to pitch for the same salary and for the Phillies regardless (as does Eflin now, but not next year).