Phillies Achilles' heel heading into the postseason

Since the Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East and secured their first-round bye, the biggest question surrounding them heading into the postseason is, what will be the problem that affects them this time? 

In 2022, the Phillies were the team of destiny, reaching the World Series, but fell short, losing to the Houston Astros in six games. Since then, the Phillies have been working their way back to the World Series, aiming to win the title they almost secured in 2022, having lost in each subsequent round, largely due to their offense. 

The Phillies have the roster to win it all this year, but will enter the playoffs with a shaky bullpen, which could end up being their Achilles heel. 

The bullpen has been the worst part of the Phillies' roster

If the Phillies lose the World Series or get eliminated early, it won’t be because of their offense or starting rotation, but their bullpen. 

The Phillies' bullpen had been an enigma before they acquired closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. Once Duran became the Phillies' closer, things should’ve fallen into place for others to find their roles. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. 

The most notable flaw of the Phillies' bullpen this season was the suspension of Jose Alvarado for most of the season due to PED use, which also affected their best bullpen arm from 2024. Not having Alvarado gave them one less high-leverage arm for the playoffs. Next was the failed signing of Jordan Romano, who had an 8.23 ERA in 42.2 innings, which will not put him on the postseason roster. 

The two bright spots from the bullpen have both come from the left side, with Matt Strahm (2.74 ERA) and Tanner Banks (3.12 ERA) sealing their spots on the postseason roster by showing their abilities to get lefties and righties out and taking the ball day after day. Strahm versus lefties had a .233 average against and 21 strikeouts, versus a .196 average and 49 punchouts against righties. Banks had .176 average against lefties with 28 strikeouts, while having a .255 average versus righties and striking out 32 batters. 

The bullpen will need to lock in for the playoffs

The Phillies have a strong starting rotation, but Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez and Jesus Luzardo can't be relied upon to go eight innings every time out and then hand it off to Duran. The bullpen will need to step up. 

Duran, Banks, and Strahm will be the first to get the call to come if anything goes wrong, but the Phillies will need another option or two from the right-hand side to step up. 

The Phillies have three options: Orion Kerkering, David Robertson and Lou Trivino. Robertson and Kerkering have struggled in their most recent appearances. Robertson had a 7.50 ERA and allowed five earned runs on nine hits in 6.0 innings in his last seven games, with Kerkering posting a 5.68 ERA and allowing four earned runs on eight hits in 6.1 innings. 

Given his playoff experience, Robertson will make the roster and appear in a playoff game, leaving that final spot to Kerkering and Trivino, who have been having success as of late, posting a 1.35 ERA in 6.1 innings while striking out seven. 

The Phillies have one more series to go before the playoffs start, and these last few games will serve as a tryout for Kerkering and Trivino to see who can win that final bullpen spot.