As the Philadelphia Phillies enter a much anticipated 2019 campaign, much of the focus is on the offense and the significant upgrades made during the offseason. Having added Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura and Andrew McCutchen, the Phillies seemingly have a lineup ready to compete for a World Series. The bullpen, with the offseason additions of David Robertson, Juan Nicasio and Jose Alvarez, looks strong on paper as well.
So what could hold the Phillies back as they look to return to the postseason for first time since 2011? Perhaps the starting rotation, which returns a group where four-fifths of the team’s starting pitchers posted ERAs north of five after the 2018 All-Star Break.