The Lockout Could Negatively Impact These Three Phillies

Time lost to the ongoing lockout could hinder the development and recovery of some key players for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As the lockout continues, many fans' biggest concern is when the season will start. However, once the season does get underway, there may be unforeseen consequences the Philadelphia Phillies must manage.

Following another season in which Philadelphia failed to reach the playoffs, one item on their to-do list is improving defense. One of the biggest contributors to the Phillies’ defensive woes last year was young third baseman Alec Bohm.

Across 103 games at third last season, Bohm was charged with 15 errors. This led to -13 defensive runs saved and a late season demotion to the minors. With a dip in production at the plate, it became clear that this off-season would be crucial for Bohm’s development.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski reiterated this point in his season ending press conference. When asked about his third baseman, Dombrowski informed the press that Bohm had already reported to Clearwater to begin working toward being the Opening Day third baseman.

Alec Bohm fields ground balls at Spectrum Field / Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

The lockout began two months after these comments, and Bohm is now unable to train at team facilities. As the club recently hiring Kevin Long as hitting coach, and Bobby Dickerson as infield coach, Bohm is missing valuable developmental work with two highly respected coaches.

Just as Bohm is barred from training at team facilities, starting pitcher Zach Eflin cannot rely on team trainers to help rehab his knee injury. Through 105.2 innings last year, Eflin posted a 4.17 ERA with 99 strikeouts. Though he wasn’t originally expected to be ready by Opening Day, this change in his rehab could further prolong his recovery. Upon his return, he was expected to slot into the back end of the rotation.

Eflin is owed $5.5 million in 2022. If he misses a large part of the season, Philadelphia will need to pay someone else to fill in until he returns. Had Eflin worked with team doctors all offseason, the Phillies would likely have a better idea of when exactly he could return. Unfortunately once the lockout is finally lifted, the Phillies will likely have to rush, potentially overpaying, to bring in another starting pitcher.

Phillies Pitcher Zach Eflin / Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The lockout may also affect fellow starting pitcher Ranger Suárez. Suárez was one of the Phillies bright spots in 2021. Following a stellar start to the year out of the bullpen, the club transitioned him to a starting role. Suárez rewarded them with a 1.36 ERA in 106 innings and 39 games, of which 12 were starts.

With 2021 serving as a breakout year for the 26-year-old, an effective off-season was imperative to carry over his success into 2022. Without the guidance of pitching coach Caleb Cotham, Suárez could have a greater readjustment period to start this season.

For the sake of Bohm, Eflin, Suárez, and the sanity of fans everywhere, hopefully the lockout ends soon. Until that occurs, each day presents a lost opportunity for Philadelphia to maximize the contributions from these three players in 2022. 

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