Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Starters Most in Danger of Losing Their Spot in 2013
April 4, 2013 by Alec Snyder
Filed under Fan News
Baseball is back. Phillies baseball is back.
Although the Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day behind Cole Hamels, there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic about the season. Chase Utley looked reminiscent of his 2009 days. Ben Revere demonstrated his baserunning abilities and an ability to direct the ball where he pleases. Domonic Brown looked pretty good offensively. And Ryan Howard seemed to run down the baseline rather well, given his circumstances.
However, with the season comes changes from time to time. Already the Phillies have made a roster move, claiming outfielder Ezequiel Carrerra off waivers from the Cleveland Indians and designating Rule 5 pick Ender Inciarte in a corresponding move, per CSNPhilly.com. This means that, barring any unexpected developments, Inciarte will be returned to the Diamondbacks without having seen any official major-league action.
While Inciarte was the sacrificial lamb for a move the Phillies felt upgraded their bench options, could any Phillies starters be on the hot seat? Baseball is a volatile sport, and if a player fails to live up to expectations, he’ll be sent out the door in the blink of an eye.
Regardless of the cause, here are five Phillies starters—whether in the rotation or playing every day—who could be in jeopardy of losing their spot in the 2013 season.