Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies have had a rough season. A big reason why is because of injuries. The Phillies have had to send their share of players to the DL during the course of the season.
The Phillies have lost key infielders to injury this season, for example Ryan Howard. They lost two of their key outfielders who were two of their best offensive hitters. Though, most of the Phillies’ injuries this season have occurred to their pitching staff. They have had starting pitchers as well as multiple pitchers in the bullpen go down.
Another pitcher will be added to that list. Starting pitcher Jonathan Pettibone has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder.
This is Pettibone’s first season in the Majors. He has a record of 5-4 in 18 games started. His five wins are the third most out of the Phillies’ pitching staff. He has only given up nine home runs. He also has 66 strikeouts which is the fourth most out of the Phillies’ pitchers.
Pettibone came up in April when John Lannan was on the DL. He has been able to keep whatever nerves he may have had hidden. He made an impression and has been able to keep his spot in the rotation. Pettibone has talent and it is a shame to see him go down.
Right now, Pettibone will not go for an MRI. It is believed since that he is not used to pitching this much that his arm is tired and needs rest. If he wants to continue to pitch in the big leagues, he will have to get used to all the pitching. He will most likely in the future be relied on to pitch further into games.
Pettibone could have a future with the Phillies. Hopefully he can overcome this injury and come back stronger. He will be fun to watch in the seasons to come if he can handle the amount of pitching involved in a full season in the Major Leagues.
