On Monday, the Chicago Cubs released struggling bullpen arm Brad Brach. Brach had an ERA of 6.13 and a WHIP of 1.765. Brach also has a career ERA of a less shocking 3.32.
The righty had a similar start to the season with the Orioles a season ago. Brach had an ERA of 4.85 in 42 games with a nearly identical WHIP of 1.769.
He was then acquired by the Atlanta Braves where the then 32-year-old thrived. With the Braves in 27 games, Brach posted a 1.52 ERA.
Bach is a bounce-back candidate that could help bolster the Phillies bullpen down the stretch.
If signed to a minor league deal, Brach could have some time in AAA Lehigh Valley to fix what ails him. If he does well, he could replace Juan Nicasio in the Phillies bullpen.
Nicasio has been ineffective of late for the Phillies. In his last 11 appearances, Nicasio has allowed 11 runs in 8 IP.
That’s a 12.38 ERA. He has a 2.38 WHIP in that 8-inning span. The Phillies can’t have that on a roster that hopes to reach the postseason.
Mike Morin also has been lackluster since joining the Phillies. Compared to a 3.18 ERA with the Twins, Morin has a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 IP so far with the Phillies. There might be a reason why the first-place Minnesota Twins DFA’d Morin in the first place.
Brach is a 1-time All-Star with playoff pitching experience with the O’s and Braves. In 5 postseason innings pitched, Brach has a 1.80 ERA.
Without an August 31st waiver trade deadline, the Phillies have to find other ways to reinforce the bullpen. Brach is a low-cost no risk lottery ticket that the Phillies could use.
