MLB spotlight: One of the MLB’s best set up men – David Phelps

A man who the Miami Marlins can count on

One of the best pitching weapons the Miami Marlins have had for the last few seasons has been David Phelps. Phelps has done it all for the Fish from a pitching standpoint for the club. He’s been a dynamite set up man, he’s been able to close some games out, and he’s even filled in as a spot starter as well.

The best season of his career was in 2016 as a Marlin, when he posted a career low 2.28 ERA. Phelps went 7-6 and struck out 114 opposing batters in 86.2 innings pitched. He had 4 saves, and started 5 games for the Fish. He basically contributed in every aspect as a pitcher last season and he did it well.

This season has been no different as Phelps continues to be stellar. The season started out a little rough for him, but he has made the Marlins fans quickly forget about his early season struggles. He’s in the middle of an impressive hot streak right now by not having given up an earned run in his last 19 innings pitched.

Phelps this season

On the season so far, Phelps has 2 wins and 2 losses, with a nice ERA of 2.79. In 26 games, the intense competitor has pitched 29 innings and has struck out 31 opposing batters. All of his work has come as a late inning reliever, which might be the role that suits him best.

The 30 year old righty has been reliable, and nothing short of excellent from the bullpen for the last month or so. He has a variety of effective pitches which includes his mid 90’s fastball. Pitching with a ton of emotion, he is able to give max effort for an inning or two whenever he’s called upon.

He’s been a key contributor to the Miami Marlins recent hot streak. The right-hander’s effectiveness was vital to helping out a bullpen that struggled early this season.

Already cemented as one of the top set up men in baseball, Fish fans are continuing to see surplus value from Phelps.

Next: Marlins vs. Cubs series preview

With continued success, his ERA will continue to drop, and A.J. Ramos will be able to enter the game with the lead. Luckily for the Fish, he’s again looking like the David Phelps from the 2016 season. The David Phelps that was lights out.