Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Discusses His Early Struggles This Year

A Philadelphia Phillies reliever discussed his early season struggles on the mound.

Mar 19, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Connor Brogdon (75) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

After a slow start in the 2023 season, the hope was for the Philadelphia Phillies to start this year on a different foot and have a chance to compete for the National League East. While four games aren’t much, the Phillies are 1-3 and seem to have some struggles.

Philadelphia lost a series to the Atlanta Braves and followed that up with a 6-3 loss against the Cincinnati Reds in their first game of a three-game set. It was 2-2 heading into the top of the 10th inning before Connor Brogdon allowed three earned runs on one hit and three walks. Brogdon gave up a grand slam to Spencer Steer, putting the game out of reach.

Brogdon, who was an important piece to the bullpen in 2021 and 2022 when posting respectable numbers, had his struggles in 2023. The start of his 2024 season has been less than ideal, allowing six earned runs and two home runs in two innings pitched.

For the Phillies to be the team they’re hoping to become, the bullpen has to be much better than it’s been during the start of the season. Brogdon is a big part of that and his early struggles are frankly unacceptable.

He spoke about his struggles, having the following to say, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

“I’m just kind of scrambled out there right now,” he said after the 6-3 extra innings loss to the Reds on Monday night.

It’s still early, but after a disappointing season last year, Brogdon will have to start showing more as the season progresses.

He clearly has it in him, so now it’s time for him to find it again and become a valuable piece to this bullpen.