Connor Brogdon’s Troubling Downfall: A Disappointing Turn for Phillies’ Formerly Promising Reliever
Connor Brogdon, the Philadelphia Phillies’ once-promising reliever, experienced a disappointing downfall during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. Brogdon, who has openly admitted to struggling with self-confidence, knew he had not performed well this spring. Despite this, he made the team due to injuries to other players. However, his lackluster performance on Monday may have sealed his fate with the Phillies.
Brogdon’s role in the bullpen was to enter low-leverage situations and throw strikes. Unfortunately, he failed to do so over the weekend against the Atlanta Braves, and Monday night’s game only further exposed his struggles. Walking two hitters and then giving up a grand slam on a 92 mph fastball, Brogdon’s performance was subpar at best.
It is difficult to witness someone losing their job in real-time, but it seems likely that Brogdon threw his last pitch for the Phillies that night. He was only on the team due to injuries and being out of minor-league options. The Phillies hoped that the regular season would provide an adrenaline boost for Brogdon and help him regain his form. However, it seems that this was not the case.
Brogdon’s journey to the majors has been filled with ups and downs. He faced academic trouble at a junior college before transferring to Lewis-Clark State College, where a Phillies scout noticed his potential as a reliever. The Phillies drafted him in 2017, and he eventually pitched in the World Series, striking out seven of the 14 batters he faced.
However, Brogdon has struggled for almost a year now. Demoted to the minors last June, he never made it back to the majors. Becoming a father and entering spring training with an uncertain future added to his already mounting pressure. Walking off the mound to a chorus of boos on Monday night was undoubtedly a low point for Brogdon.
The Phillies, like many teams, approach April baseball differently than the rest of the season. They manage games with caution, prioritizing the long-term health of their pitchers. This strategy has paid off in the past, as the Phillies have reached a different level in October. However, it comes at the cost of not pulling every lever to win games in April.
This cautious approach to April baseball is why teams often churn through bullpen spots during this month. The Phillies, lacking developed relievers, were hesitant to take any risks. Brogdon was the only draft pick in the current bullpen, while the rest were either acquired through free agency or trade. With Luis Ortiz’s recent ankle sprain, there are potential replacements at Triple A who could step in for Brogdon.
In the end, Brogdon’s downfall serves as a reminder of the challenging nature of professional sports. Despite his promising start and World Series appearance, he has struggled to find consistency and regain his form. His story is a testament to the mental and physical toll that the game can take on players. As the Phillies make decisions about their bullpen moving forward, it is clear that Brogdon’s future with the team hangs in the balance.