Jake Arrieta’s signing with the Phillies late in spring training took one more job away from a pitcher competing in the organization. Jerad Eickhoff’s injured lat muscle opened up the opportunity for one more prospect to join the fray, but with Eickhoff’s return looming, his temporary replacement is feeling the heat.
Ben Lively takes the mound Friday night for the fourth time this season, and it must be his best yet to stick with the team. An unimpressive 5.87 ERA and the inability to pitch out of the sixth inning will haunt the young righty in the very near future as Eickhoff regains his health.