Anthony Mazziotti
Never in my 25+ years of Philadelphia sports fandom have I seen a player hated by a fan base as much as Donovan McNabb. Pat Neshek is a close second, though.
Earlier this week Pat Neshek made headlines as he “was not ready” when needed in a game against the Cubs. Blame it on Gabe Kapler for not making the call sooner, but Neshek has been known to be a prima donna during his time in Philly. Between refusing to throw in back-to-back games or only throwing certain innings he has become a polarizing figure to say the least.
In a turn of events which turned out to be rotator cuff inflammation, Neshek was sent to the 10-Day Injured List leaving a roster spot to be filled. David Robertson, an off-season addition to stabilize the bullpen, was transferred from the 10-Day Injured List to the 60-Day Injured List which opened a roster spot on the 40-man roster. Enter Phillies prospect J.D. Hammer.
Hammer was originally acquired by the Phillies in July of 2017 in a trade for, you guessed it, Pat Neshek. At the time, Hammer was a 23-year old mired in single A ball. In 2018 Hammer appeared in 12 games and had a 2.63 ERA over 13.2 innings while striking out 17 hitters and walking four for the Gulf Coast League Phillies and the Florida State League. This year he began the year with the Reading Fightins in AA ball where he appeared in 13 games, had a 1.77 ERA alongside two saves in as many opportunities. Hammer proved again that he can put hitters away with 26 strikeouts in 20.2 innings of work. His production in Reading earned a promotion to the AAA Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, in one game he threw two innings, struck out three batters and allowed no runs. He was promoted to the show on May 25.
One day after being called to the Phillies Hammer made his appearance in the sixth inning of a game where his team was down 7-1. Up for the Brewers were none other than Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas. Hammer rose to the occasion by sitting down the three in order, striking out Moustakas.
It’s simply poetic that Hammer, acquired in a trade for Neshek, made his first appearance in the big leagues as a byproduct of Neshek’s injury. What makes the situation even better is the entire city is ready to rally behind the real life version of Rick Vaughn and ultimately move past the sidearmer who brought him here.
Mariano Rivera career stats:
2.21 ERA
1.00 WHIP
80 blown saves
60 lossesJD Hammer career stats:
0.00 ERA
0.00 WHIP
0 blown saves
0 losses— 2008 Phillies (@2008Philz) May 26, 2019
JD Hammer comes in for major league debut. Retires Yelich, Braun and Moustakas, 1-2-3. Looking good.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) May 26, 2019
I need 3 things in life currently: to eat, to drink, and for JD Hammer to be a great relief pitcher. That is all.
— Chris (@Schaferrrr) May 26, 2019
JD HAMMER JUST GOT YELICH, BRAUN AND MOUSTAKAS OUT!!!
BUILD. THE. STATUE.
— Justin Lever (@JustinLever2) May 26, 2019
I’m not sure how long the whole J.D. Hammer thing is going to last this season as he essentially moved right from AA to the big leagues but I’m 100% here for the ride. Dude looks like Rick Vaughn and in Charlie Sheen fashion essentially flipped Neshek the bird while shutting down the heart of the Brewers lineup on a day where they were having their way with Phillies pitching. Cue up “Wild Thing” next time he walks to the mound.
You can follow Anthony Mazziotti on Twitter (@AntMazziotti) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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