Rise and Phight: 5/18/2024

Most of the praise for the Phillies success this season has gone to their starting rotation. Rightfully so, as they have a collective 2.63 ERA and two early Cy Young contenders in Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez.

But don’t overlook the bullpen. They haven’t been used too much due to the dominance of the starting pitching, but they’ve been every bit as good as expected. The Phillies bullpen is second in WAR (2.3) and FIP (3.35) among all teams. Their ERA pf 4.21 is 19th, but that is partially inflated from earlier in the season, as they have a 1.99 ERA in May. Matt Strahm in particular is having an All-Star worthy season himself. He hasn’t allowed a run since Opening Day and is sporting a 1.00 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 29/1.

Now for the links.

Phillies news:

• Johan Rojas was excellent in center field last season. So far this he year, he is not.
• Just how have the Phillies gone 23 straight days without losing consecutive games?
• A check-in with Trea Turner as he works back from a hamstring strain.

MLB news:

• Another former Angels player is caught up with the Ippei Mizuhara betting scandal.
• Paul Skenes utterly dominated the Cubs yesterday, showing what his potential truly is.
• A massive injury blow for the Giants, as Jung Hoo Lee is out for the season with a torn labrum.