By Drew VonScioShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Philadelphia Phillies know it won't be as easy to win the National League East division title this season as it was last year. Even once Zack Wheeler returns, the Phillies are going to have plenty of work to do.
For manager Rob Thomson, he now has the task of figuring out who exactly will fill out his starting rotation. One possibility is Andrew Painter, who has patiently been waiting for his chance. However, Joel Reuter predicted the Phillies to sign former Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito.
..."As the roster currently stands, the Phillies have essentially put all of their eggs in the Andrew Painter basket to fill the No. 5 starter job, unless non-roster invitees Bryse Wilson and Tucker Davidson make a surprise roster push," Reuter wrote for Bleacher Report. "That makes them one of the few logical fits for Lucas Giolito, who is still searching for a new home in free agency after posting a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings for the Red Sox last year."
Reuter's projection slotted Giolito in as the No. 3 pitcher for Philadelphia behind the left-handed duo of Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo. Once Wheeler returns, Giolito would likely drop down to the No. 4 spot as long as both lefties are healthy then.
Giolito recorded a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts last season for the Red Sox. He pitched 145 innings and provided Alex Cora's team with a chance to win more often than not when he took the mound. Giolito conceded three earned runs of fewer in 19 of his 26 starts for the Red Sox.
This move would bump Painter back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but it ultimately comes down to how much the organization trusts the young arm to deliver every five days. If Thomson and Dave Dombrowski aren't completely sold on him, then signing someone like Giolito on a one-year deal is the perfect alternative.
More MLB: Mets Pitcher Freddy Peralta Reveals Emotions After Learning He Was Traded
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