Phillies’ Bullpen Continues to Take Shape Despite Series Loss
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Though the Phillies dropped the first series since the sweep against the New York Mets on April 23rd, many true identities and abilities were revealed in this series against the Cardinals, especially. The biggest takeaway in this series has been some key members of the bullpen, who have exceptionally come in in relief in all types of leverage appearances.
Pitchers such as Tanner Banks, Taijuan Walker, and Jordan Romano took big steps for the Phillies during this series for all different reasons. Against a red-hot Cardinals team, these appearances have shown us a continuation in improvement after previous struggles.
Banks Gets Back on Track
To start the season, Phillies 2024 addition Banks started off strong, showing he could find himself in more setup situations. As of late, Banks has not had great innings, which caused his ERA to go up to 4.41 at one point.
This series was crucial for Banks, as he needed to gather himself to prove he is still worth a roster spot. Collectively, Banks threw 2.1 innings without giving up a run. He did this also with a minimal pitch count, showing that he is moving at a comfortable pace.
Though the Phillies have All-Star caliber left-handed relievers in Jose Alvarado and Matt Strahm, it would only get better if Banks can sneak into their talent level as a south paw.
This series was a perfect way to back up the case for Banks that he has talent and consistency with an elite defense behind him. His leverage appearances during these three games against St. Louis show that Rob Thomson has started to build trust with Tanner that can go all throughout the season if he continues to dominate the zone.
Though “hidden” and unsung, Banks has opened up a great opportunity to go far with this Phillies ball club.
Walker Gets Another Look as a Reliever
Walker has not had the best starts as a Phillie, which eventually led to his move to the bullpen with Ranger Suarez‘s removal from the injured list.
Walker was given another three innings with the hopes of going off his dominant three innings in Tampa Bay, which earned him his first career save.
Though Walker started to slow down later in his appearance, giving up two earned runs, he looked comfortable when he first took the mound, starting off with two scoreless innings.
If Walker is thought to stay in the bullpen, two innings of control are extremely helpful and can be moved to a number of positions in the bullpen, whether he stays a long relief pitcher or moves up to more setup roles. This move would significantly benefit the Phillies’ pitching staff and allow fewer arms to be used when a reliever, like Walker, can go two or three innings.
1-2-3 Ninth Inning for Romano
During game one of today’s doubleheader, the Phillies’ offense set up for a save situation with a two-run seventh inning. Romano, who has obviously struggled on the mound, was set to go out for the ninth inning in a one-run game.
With the season that Jordan has had so far, a save against a lineup like the Cardinals’ would set up for more save opportunities in the future against these talented teams around the league.
Not only did Romano pick up the save, but he made it a 1-2-3 inning, striking out the side. Romano, compared to March and April, had perfect control of his slider and had a boost in fastball velocity, which means a lot towards in-season growth.
Although this side of Romano was expected at the start of the year, it is relieving to see three straight strikeouts to close out a comeback win from a player who has looked to improve day by day.
Romano, who had closed for the Toronto Blue Jays, showed that old self in game one, which will be essential towards Philadelphia come October, but until then, Romano continues to put April in the past.
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Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
