Tyler Trumbauer
We’re in the midst of Wentzmania, but the Phillies are still playing games.
Jeanmar Gómez probably hopes you forgot, though.
The Phillies closer has been reeling in the last few weeks and that may be putting it lightly. Maybe this Green Day song would more aptly describe how Gómez is feeling:
Gómez, who many thought would be the 8th inning guy this season, has had much success at the back end of games this season. Before the calendar turned to September, the Venezuela native compiled 34 saves in 38 opportunities. However, in September, Gomez is 3-5 in save opportunities and has a 16.20 ERA.
There are multiple theories for the rough few weeks for the 28-year old righthander. Regardless of reason, he is still the Phillies closer, according to manager Pete Mackanin.
“I don’t want him to finish the season on a sour note. I’d like him to finish on a positive note,” Mackanin said. “That’s going to enter my decision on that. I don’t want a guy to hit .300 and go 0-for-50 the last month of the season, the last two, three weeks of the season and end up hitting .270. For his own benefit.”
He said that on Sept. 21. The very next day, Gómez gave up two home runs and blew another save.
Mackanin about faced on still sticking with Gómez in every save opportunity.
Mackanin said Gomez will get a break as closer. Will consider several arms in closing situations.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) September 23, 2016
Some of the hurlers Mackanin could call on late in games are Hector Nerris, who is the first Phils pitcher to appear in at least 75 games since Ryan Madson in 2009, or Michael Mariot, who is up with the big league club as part of September call-ups. Both of them, and whoever else may get an opportunity, are auditioning for the the 2017 closer gig.
The Phillies only have eight more games left this season. It seems as though there’s only eight more games in Gómez’s tenure as the closer for the Phillies.