Phillies' Bailey Falter: Likely to open as fifth starter
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Falter is likely to open the season as the Phillies' fifth starter with Andrew Painter (elbow) sidelined, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
It is not yet known how long Painter might be sidelined, but he's certainly not going to be ready Opening Day, clearing the way for Falter to open as the team's No. 5 starter. Falter pitched well for Philadelphia last season, holding a 3.86 ERA and 74:17 K:BB over 84 innings, with 16 of his 20 appearances coming as a starter. The left-hander has an impressive minor-league track record as well, particularly when it comes to throwing strikes. Falter is more of a floor than ceiling play but could be worth using in deeper fantasy leagues while he's getting starts.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: In competition for rotation spot
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Falter's primary competition for the Phillies' No. 5 starter spot is phenom Andrew Painter, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.
Falter would be the more traditional selection for the fifth starter's spot, as he has paid his dues and had some success in the rotation last season, but he obviously can't match Painter's upside. The 25-year-old southpaw had a 3.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 71 strikeouts in 76.2 innings as a starter last season.
Phillies' Bailey Falter: Not on World Series roster
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Falter was left off the Phillies' roster for the World Series on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
Falter started Game 4 of the NLCS and allowed four runs over two-thirds of an inning, and he won't be on the active roster for the World Series. The 25-year-old was a solid swingman for Philadelphia this season with a 3.86 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 74:17 K:BB across 84 innings.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Rocky start in Game 4
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Falter did not factor in the decision during Game 4's 10-6 win over the Padres on Saturday night, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out zero over 0.2 innings.
Falter was slated to have a short start Saturday, but he was unable to get through the first inning and was relieved by Connor Brogdon. After two quick outs, Manny Machado hit a solo homer and the Padres followed with a single, a walk and a two-run double to knock Falter out of the game. The 25-year-old had a similar gameplan in his final regular season appearance when he pitched a scoreless first inning against the Astros, but he was unable to replicate that success in Game 4 of the NLCS, though the Philadelphia offense mounted a comeback to take him off the hook for the loss.
Phillies' Bailey Falter: Short Game 4 start expected
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Falter will start Game 4 of the NLCS against the Padres on Saturday, but he's only expected to pitch once through the order, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
He gets the nod after it was Noah Syndergaard who got the start in Game 4 of the previous series, but Falter is unlikely to remain in the game long enough to make a significant fantasy impact. The Phillies will feel comfortable turning to their bullpen early Saturday, as they have Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola lined up to start Games 5 and 6 (if necessary), respectively.
Falter is expected to throw only one inning in his start Wednesday in Houston, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
The Phillies won't have room in the rotation for Falter during the wild-card round, so he'll be making a start Wednesday that simulates what a relief appearance would look like for him in the postseason. Philadelphia called up Michael Plassmeyer from Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier in the day and could turn to him in bulk relief behind Falter.
Phillies' Bailey Falter: Pounded for six runs in loss
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Falter gave up six earned runs on 10 hits and no walks while striking out six over 3.2 innings in a 6-3 loss to Atlanta on Saturday.
Falter was done in by the long ball, as the biggest damage to his line came on a pair of home runs off the bats of William Contreras and Michael Harris. Falter has now made two starts in a row against Atlanta. He gave up only one run in the previous start, but it appears that the extra look at his stuff may have allowed the opposition to get a read on him as a pitcher. Falter's ERA has now risen to 4.21, and he will need to make an adjustment his next time out at Washington if he hopes to pick up his sixth win with only a couple of turns through the rotation left in the season.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Coughs up one run
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Falter yielded one run on four hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against Atlanta on Sunday. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.
Falter had earned a win in five straight outings before failing to record a decision in Sunday's loss. The only damage against him came from Robbie Grossman's RBI double in the third frame. Falter is now sporting a 3.68 ERA with a 62:15 K:BB through 17 appearances. The 25-year-old southpaw is sporting a 2.45 ERA across his last seven starts. Falter is projected to start at home against Atlanta next week.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Staying in rotation
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Falter will remain in the Phillies' rotation once Zack Wheeler (forearm) is activated next week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
To create room for Wheeler in the rotation, the Phillies will move Noah Syndergaard to a relief role, at least in the short term. Falter has a 2.52 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 30:3 K:BB in 35.2 innings over his last six starts. He'll pick up another start Sunday in Atlanta and tentatively lines up to face Atlanta again next weekend in Philadelphia.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Excellent performance in win
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Falter (5-3) earned the victory Tuesday in Miami, striking out four in six innings while allowing a run on four hits.
Falter allowed a solo homer to Bryan De La Cruz in the fifth inning and scattered three singles the rest of the way as he limited Miami to one run. He's been the winning pitcher in each of his last five starts and has a 2.43 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB in 29.2 innings in that span. Tuesday's start was his fourth straight without issuing a walk. With Zack Wheeler (forearm) nearing a return, Falter may only get one more start for the Phillies before moving to a bullpen role.
Falter (4-3) earned the win over Miami on Wednesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out three batters over 5.1 innings.
Falter departed his previous start with a right groin injury, but he didn't end up missing a turn in the rotation and was able to stick around for 74 pitches Wednesday. The left-handed hurler had his four-game streak of quality starts snapped, but he was able to extend his winning streak to four. Falter has been impressive during that span, posting a 2.66 ERA and 18:2 K:BB over 23.2 innings. He's likely to stick in the rotation at least until Zack Wheeler (forearm) is ready to return.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Looks ready to go Wednesday
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Falter (groin) is listed as the Phillies' probable starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Marlins in Philadelphia.
Falter doesn't look as though he'll have to miss a turn through the rotation after he exited his Aug. 31 outing in Arizona with a right groin injury. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Falter's groin showed improvement two days after the start, so he's not expected to face any major restrictions when he takes the hill again Wednesday. Over his last four starts with the big club, Falter has gone 3-0 with a 2.59 ERA and 0.82 WHIP while racking up 23 strikeouts over 24.1 innings.
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Phillies' Bailey Falter: Exits with groin issue
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Falter was removed from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks with a right groin injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
The 25-year-old made a second straight turn through the rotation Wednesday in place of Zack Wheeler (forearm), and the lefty allowed only one run on five hits with six strikeouts and zero walks before the injury forced his exit with one out in the seventh inning. Falter left with a double-digit run lead and is in line for the victory, and it's an unceremonious end to a strong outing. Regardless of his health, Falter may not receive another start with Wheeler possibly reclaiming his rotation spot next week.
