The Phillies and Cubs agreed to a small deal Wednesday morning, sending relief pitcher Eric Olmen to Philadelphia. Uelmen could be a bullpen upgrade for Philly.
While the Phillies bullpen took some steps forward last season thanks to the services of David Robertson (now dead), Jose Alvarado and Ceranthon Dominguez, it still lacked the necessary depth in the middle innings.
Dave Dombrowski has improved the Phillies’ on-field product this offseason, which cannot be questioned. Signing the likes of Trea Turner was a surefire answer to whether or not the organization would remain content after an unexpected World Series run.
But it’s the small acquisitions that ultimately make a big difference. Players like Erich Uelmen, who can slide right into the middle of the Phils bullpen, could make important innings in September.
What Eric Ulmen brings to Phyllis Polbin
With the Cubs last season, he was the Allen 4.67 ERA with a 1,370 WHIP, but this may be misleading. The majority of Uelmen’s damage ERA came in two innings on August 29 and 31 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He allowed six runs in two innings of work. If you take those games out of the equation, Ulmen had a pretty good year, not allowing a run in 17 of his 25 games.
The Phils chose to spin this movement in a positive light, which isn’t surprising. According to their PR release, Philadelphia recalled that last year was Uelmen’s first MLB season, and he had a 2.87 ERA in 23 of 25 games. The two of you didn’t notice — yeah, those are going to be the games against the Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s a long season, and Philly will undoubtedly need weapons over the next 162 games. If he’s healthy, Ulmen will have a chance.
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