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Todd Zolecki Believes Aaron Nola Will Be With Phillies 'Before The End Of The Month'

By Ray Boyd

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Phillies reporter Todd Zolecki joined Josh Innes and Jody McDonald on Tuesday to discuss the Phillies' 10-7 loss to the Dodgers on Monday night. The outing was a rough one for Sean O'Sullivan who the Phillies decided to outright to Triple-A following the game.

O'Sullivan pitched 5.1 innings and allowed six earned runs on eight hits. He threw 123 pitches.

Zolecki said that O'Sullivan emphasized after the game that he wasn't really surprised to be getting outrighted considering his performance.

O'Sullivan's struggles on the mound have led to the bullpen being overworked for the Phillies as he continues to struggle to produce quality starts.

"Pete Mackanin now finds himself in a situation where, there is certain situations that pop up in a game, he might want to go with a lefty for a batter or two, but he can't because he just had that guy go out and pitch 2.1 innings the day before and he's shot for the next three days.

"They basically had to get rid of Sean because A. his numbers have been terrible and B. they need to find somebody that can maybe pitched into the 6th inning and save this bullpen a little bit."

LISTEN: Todd Zolecki discusses the Phillies with Josh Innes and Jody McDonald

The exact opposite of O'Sullivan's struggles on the hill can be seen in the play of Jonathan Papelbon. Another solid season from the Phillies' all-time saves leader has landed him his 6th All-Star appearance.

Zolecki made it clear that the honor was well deserved for the Phillies lone All-Star, even more so than Cole Hamels.

"I do think he deserved it over Hamels," Zolecki said. "Let me put it this way: I think starting pitchers are more valuable than a guy who pitches 30 innings over the entire first half of the season. In that sense Cole Hamels is more worthy, but you know, that's not how the game works.

"Papelbon's numbers were pretty impressive when you compare him to all the other relief pitchers in baseball."

Zolecki explained that Hamels has been on more of a roller-coaster trajectory on the season with ups and downs throughout, while Papelbon has been consistently solid and has saved every game he has had the opportunity to save.

In addition to All-Star debates, Hamels and Papelbon both hear their names pop up when it comes to trade rumors. If Hamels is subtracted, an already weak rotation becomes even more terrible.

Could the departure of O'Sullivan and a potential Hamels deal as we approach the deadline, force the hand of Ruben Amaro Jr. when it comes to calling up Aaron Nola?

Zolecki said he believes it does. He added that in speaking with Amaro, the Phillies general manager said that Nola is "close," to being ready for the big leagues.

Zolecki offered what he thinks will happen with Nola.

"I think he's not going to be up before the break, although maybe outrighting Sean O'Sullivan changes that, but I think personally he is a lock to get into the rotation once Cole Hamels is traded and even if he's not, I have a feeling he'll be up here before the end of the month, probably after the All-Star break."

 

 

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