The Phillies and Cubs agreed to a minor trade on Wednesday morning, sending relief pitcher Erich Uelmen to Philadelphia. Uelmen could serve as a bullpen upgrade for Philly.
While the Phillies bullpen did take some step forwards last season thanks to the services of David Robertson (now a Met), Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez, it still lacks the necessary depth in the middle innings.
Dave Dombrowski has improved the Phillies on-field product this offseason, that cannot be questioned. Signing the likes of Trea Turner was an emphatic answer to whether or not the organization would remain content after an unexpected run to the World Series.
But, it’s the small acquisitions that often make a major difference in the end. Players like Erich Uelmen, who could slide right into the middle of the Phils bullpen, could be pitching important innings come September.
What Erich Uelmen brings to Phillies bullpen
With the Cubs last season, Uelmen had a 4.67 ERA with a 1.370 WHIP, but that can be misleading. The majority of the damage done to Uelmen’s ERA came in two outings on Aug. 29 and 31 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He allowed six runs in two innings of work. If you take those outings out of the equation, Uelmen had a decent year, not allowing a run in 17 of his 25 appearances.
The Phils chose to spin this move in a positive light, which is not surprising. Per their own PR release, Philadelphia noted last year was Uelmen’s first MLB season, and he had a 2.87 ERA in 23 of his 25 appearances. The two they didn’t note — yes, that would be the outings against the Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s a long season, and Philly will undoubtedly need arms over the course of 162 games. If he is healthy, Uelmen will get an opportunity.