When the Phillies traded away Jonathan Papelbon in 2015, they were just hoping to get something for the talented but unlikable closer. They were able to pry away Nick Pivetta, a young power arm with mid-rotation potential, from the Nationals in exchange for Papelbon. Now, Pivetta may be on the cusp of fully realizing his potential.
Pivetta did not get eased into his rookie year. He spent most of the season in the major leagues, making 22 starts as injuries piled up in the rotation. His overall numbers weren’t great with a 6.