In hindsight, the Phillies should have known the rotation could quickly become a repetitive issue. Gabe Kapler had Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta leading the rotation since day one, but even that tandem has struggled this season. Nola seems to be struggling with his delivery this season, while Arrieta has let up nearly ten hits per nine innings leading to an era over four.
The back end of the rotation, meaning spots three through five, has been even more inconsistent. Part of the inconsistencies stems from injuries and fatigue from the likes of Zach Eflin and utterly underwhelming performances from Vince Velasquez, Jerad Eickhoff, and the ever-so-unpredictable Nick Pivetta, all of whom were destined for future roles within the rotation.