When the Phillies entered spring training back in mid-February, the coronavirus had not yet reared its ugly head and visions of a full 162-game season danced in everyone’s heads. No one knew the season would be reduced to 60 games or fewer, and that baseball’s famed marathon would become a sprint to the finish line from Day No. 1.
Even so, general manager Matt Klentak’s plan with regards to his bullpen this year never inspired confidence. The Phillies had a semi-reliable closer in Hector Neris, and a couple decent left-handed options in Adam Morgan and Jose Alvarez.