At the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies failed to address one of the biggest needs for a serious contender: additional starting-pitching depth.
Although Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo have been outstanding at the top of the rotation, the production behind them has been far less reliable.
Aaron Nola has shown signs of improvement lately, posting a 3.60 ERA over his last seven appearances, but his season ERA remains at 5.12. Andrew Painter has struggled even more, carrying a 6.43 ERA and making multiple trips back to the minors.
With those concerns in mind, MLB.com analysts Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra have encouraged the Phillies to consider promoting top prospect Gage Wood for the stretch run.
Wood is Philadelphia’s No. 1 prospect and ranks No. 33 overall in MLB. Despite currently pitching at Double-A, the organization has already taken an aggressive approach with his development, similar to other young pitchers who have received late-season opportunities.
Wood’s 4.38 ERA across 21 starts does not immediately jump off the page, but his underlying stuff is extremely impressive. His fastball is considered one of the best in the minor leagues, earning a 70-grade, while his breaking and offspeed pitches give him multiple weapons against hitters.
Across 76 innings between Low-A and Double-A, Wood has recorded 112 strikeouts while issuing only 25 walks. At Double-A Reading specifically, he has struck out 13.0 batters per nine innings while walking just 2.4 per nine, demonstrating the combination of overpowering stuff and control that could translate to the majors.
The Phillies could also consider using Wood in the bullpen rather than immediately placing him into the rotation. Philadelphia ranks 20th in bullpen ERA this season, and the club’s deadline addition of Brooks Raley has yet to produce the expected results.
Raley posted a 1.96 ERA with the Mets but has recorded a 4.05 ERA through his first seven appearances with Philadelphia.
Adding Wood’s electric arsenal to the bullpen could give interim manager Don Mattingly another dangerous high-leverage option during the postseason race.
Wood’s fastball can reach 99 mph as a starter, and a move to the bullpen could allow him to push beyond 100 mph more consistently.
His injury history may also make a relief role more appealing as the Phillies carefully manage his workload. Whether he becomes a reliever, spot starter or opener, his combination of elite velocity, swing-and-miss ability and control could make him an intriguing weapon.
The Phillies may simply have to decide when the time is right to unleash their top prospect on the major-league stage.
