Pedro Martinez Makes Strong Comments on Phillies Bullpen Amid Poor Start

"What does the [Phillies] bullpen need? ... They need to look at themselves in the mirror and say 'I am doing it, I am. It's up to me, it's not up to the coach, it's not up to the GM, it's not up to the players that I have around, it's about me.'"

Martinez points out that the bullpen's issues stem from a lack of confidence. When the pitchers aren't confident, it's significantly more difficult to get solid outings from them. With how the bullpen has fared early in the year, it's no surprise that the bullpen lacks confidence.

Through 24 games, the Phillies ranked second-to-last in bullpen ERA, with a 5.70 ERA. The Phillies' bullpen has given up 86 hits, 49 earned runs, 12 home runs, and 30 walks. Of all those stats, only their walks allowed are in a solid spot, ranked ninth lowest in baseball.

Martinez continued grilling the Phillies' bullpen, calling them out for their lack of fight amid such a terrible start. "You have to want it... nobody's going to give you anything. If these guys are not mature enough to understand that they need to go and get it... then it's not going to happen."

The bullpen hasn't been great, and it's mainly been due to a few key relievers. Jordan Romano has a 13.50 ERA in eight and two-thirds innings pitched, with a 2.08 WHIP. Orion Kerkering is up to a 6.48 ERA, while Jose Ruiz has a 6.75 ERA. 

The bullpen hasn't been great, and it's mainly been due to a few key relievers. Jordan Romano has a 13.50 ERA in eight and two-thirds innings pitched, with a 2.08 WHIP. Orion Kerkering is up to a 6.48 ERA, while Jose Ruiz has a 6.75 ERA.

Jose Ross (5.68 ERA), Carlos Hernandez (7.88 ERA), and Tanner Banks (3.38 ERA) have had their ups and downs in 2025. But, even with Jose Alvarado (2.53 ERA) and Matt Strahm (1.74 ERA) getting off to strong starts, the bullpen has been underwhelming to begin the year.

At the end of Martinez's rant about the Phillies' bullpen, he left off with a final note for the relievers. "They need to have the heart... They're just big leaguers like any other. Make it personal. You, and the batter, and go get him."

The Phillies bullpen should pay attention to Martinez's message, as the former Phillies pitcher and Hall of Famer knows the mound better than anyone else. There's still time to turn things around, but the bullpen needs to figure it out, and get their confidence back before it's too late.