Phillies Reportedly Keeping Tabs on Multiple Pirates Relievers

Once-interim manager Rob Thomson has done a stellar job in being the man in charge of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Philadelphia has made the playoffs each of the last three seasons and with a 53-37 record entering Monday, it is well on its way to a fourth straight postseason appearance.

There is an area of concern, though, and that is the Phillies bullpen. A bullpen ERA of 4.32 ranks 23rd and that could be a problem when getting toward the end of the season.

That is why USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has reported that Philadelphia has shown interest in Pirates relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana.

Bednar struggled so much in the early weeks of the season that he was optioned to Triple-A to sort things out.

Whatever he did worked greatly, as he is headed toward one of the best seasons of his MLB career.

He has a 2.73 ERA with 12 saves and 42 strikeouts in 33 appearances and 29 2/3 innings pitched. His 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest of his career, and he would be a perfect replacement for a struggling Jordan Romano (6.82 ERA, eight saves) in the closer role.

Santana has quietly been among the best relievers in baseball this season. He has a stellar 1.42 ERA in 38 appearances and 38 innings pitched.

He hasn’t allowed an earned run since June 3 and has allowed just one hit over his last seven appearances. Santana has pitched 12 1/3 innings against NL East opponents this season and has allowed just two earned runs in those outings.

His 1.8 season WAR would be over a full point higher than the next closest active relief pitcher on the Phillies roster.

A move for either of the two Pirates relievers would be an excellent move for Philadelphia and would give it another high-leverage arm to go up against some of the big bats in the National League.

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