Now over a third of the way through their corona-abbreviated 2020 campaign, the Philadelphia Phillies—pegged as a likely playoff team even before MLB announced its plans to expand the postseason from 10 to 16 teams—have been a disappointment to say the least. Following a sweep at the hands of the Toronto/Buffalo Blue Jays, which included an embarrassing collapse in Game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader (they squandered an early 7-0 lead in that one, eventually falling by a 9-8 final margin), the Phils now sit at an underwhelming 9-12 for the year.
That’s certainly not ideal, though far from a death sentence as Philadelphia remains just 1.5 games out of playoff position in the National League Wild Card race. The Phillies have been an offensive juggernaut (fourth in batting average and third in slugging), but their pitching has let them down. In particular, the Phils’ bullpen has been a disaster, compiling an abysmal 8.07 ERA through 64 2/3 innings of lackluster work, easily the worst mark in MLB. Philadelphia addressed that need Friday by acquiring David Hale from the Yankees, though it’s going to take much more than a 32-year-old journeyman with a lifetime 4.25 ERA to stop the bleeding.
If the Phillies are looking to make a slightly bigger splash on the bullpen front, perhaps the Red Sox, who are headed nowhere fast, could be of some assistance. According to league insider Ken Rosenthal, the Phils have inquired about the availability of late-inning hurler Brandon Workman, who has served as Boston’s closer since midway through last season. The 6’5” right-hander was among the most dominant relievers in baseball last year, contributing a stellar 1.88 ERA with 10 wins, 15 saves and 104 strikeouts over 71 2/3 innings (13.06 K/9).
With the Red Sox in the beginning stages of what could be a lengthy rebuild, Boston figures to be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline. While slugger J.D. Martinez would be a juicy trade target for contending teams, Workman could arguably attract more interest considering his affordable salary (he’s due a prorated $1.296 million in 2020) and the high demand for bullpen arms across MLB. As an impending free agent, Workman probably wouldn’t cost more than a mid-level prospect.
The 32-year-old, who first broke into the big leagues in 2013, has not been as effective this year (4.05 ERA), though the Red Sox—who currently occupy the league’s third-lowest winning percentage—obviously haven’t called on him much this year (just seven appearances). Workman is no Aroldis Chapman, but he’d at least take some of the stress off Philadelphia’s current closer, embattled veteran Hector Neris, who has been anything but reliable this year (6.75 ERA, three blown saves). Matt Barnes would be next in line for saves in Beantown should the Red Sox move Workman ahead of the August 31 deadline.
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