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The Philadelphia Phillies are actively reshaping their bullpen as they strive to address and improve multiple aspects of their performance following a tough start to the season.
Among the adjustments, the team has experimented with marginal roster options such as Seth Johnson, Chase Shugart, and Kyle Backhus, all while awaiting the return of their star closer, Jhoan Duran, from an oblique injury. A recent defeat against the Chicago Cubs highlighted the struggles of the pitching staff.
“Phillies pitchers issued a staggering 10 walks and hit two more batters in a 7-4 defeat to the Chicago Cubs,” Jim Salisbury reported for NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Over the last three games, starting pitchers have contributed only 13 innings, with a bullpen game planned for Wednesday night featuring Kyle Backhus as the starter. Taijuan Walker is anticipated to handle the majority of the relief duties.”
The variety of relievers used and their disappointing performances have been unexpected setbacks for the Phillies this season. The team seemed poised for bullpen stability after trading Matt Strahm and acquiring Brad Keller, which appeared to solidify their bullpen lineup.
However, the bullpen adjustments are expected to persist for the time being. Meanwhile, the Phillies have received news regarding a veteran reliever who was recently released by a division rival.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Former Pitcher Cut By New York Mets, Joins Minnesota Twins Organization
Instead, the bullpen shuffle will continue for the foreseeable future. And in the meantime, the Phillies got an update on one long-time reliever who was recently cut by their division rival.
Luis Garcia, who pitched for the Phillies from 2013 to 2018, racking up 223 strikeouts across 251 games in the process, joined the Minnesota Twins on a minor league contract this week, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The news came shortly after the New York Mets released him.
“Garcia, 39, opened the season with the same Mets team against whom the Twins will open a road series tonight,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams reported on Tuesday. “He signed a one-year, $1.75MM contract in the offseason but was cut loose after only six appearances. In that time, Garcia was knocked around for six runs (five earned) on 11 hits and a pair of walks with four strikeouts.”
Former Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Luis Garcia, Cut By New York Mets, Could Return To Big Leagues
Garcia appeared to have something left in the tank last year, as he posted a 3.42 ERA in 58 total games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels. But his short Mets stint suggested he had lost some velocity on several pitches in his repertoire.
The Twins could use some relief corp reinforcement and a minor-league deal for a veteran like Garcia appears to be a relatively risk free way to take a shot at some remaining upside.
“Garcia’s velocity is down this year, but there’s little harm in taking a nearly free look at a veteran reliever who, in addition to that 3.86 ERA over the past five seasons, has punched out a solid 22.3% of his opponents against a sharp 7.8% walk rate and a huge 53% ground-ball rate,” Adams added.
