Starting pitching has been a huge problem for the Phillies in recent years. After trading Cole Hamels and losing Cliff Lee to injury problems, their rotation has been a patchwork of journeymen and rookies trying to find their way. From 2015 to 2017 Philadelphia’s starters have the fourth-highest ERA (4.81) and sixth-highest fielding-independent pitching (4.60).
However, things are finally starting to change for them this year. As of Sunday, their starters have the third-highest fWAR (3.1), fourth-lowest ERA (3.02), fifth-highest strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.79), and eighth-lowest WHIP (1.14).
Much of this change has been spearheaded by two pitchers: Jake Arrieta and Aaron Nola.