Antonio Bastardo

2013

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2012

We touted Bastardo as a potential breakout candidate last winter, and he looked like one of the best left-handed relievers in the game during the first half of the season before wearing down a bit in the second half. Bastardo uses a biting slider to dominate hitters, but his reliance on that one pitch leaves him vulnerable if it isn't working. While he did fill in at closer for a period last season, the Phillies prefer him in a setup role. There are red flags, however, as he has a history of arm injuries, which is part of the reason he was converted to a relief role a few years ago. He also walks a few more batters than you like to see, but given his age there could be continued improvement. Finally, he was a bit lucky with his BABIP last season. Expect a correction in his ERA if his BABIP normalizes this year, but given the strong strikeout rate, also expect Bastardo to be a valuable reliever for those looking to fill their roster with a pitcher who won't kill your ratios.

2011

Bastardo split his time between the majors and Triple-A last season. He is primarily a two-pitch pitcher with a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a biting slider. His double-digit K/9IP ratios in both the minors and majors indicate how tough he can be on batters, but he also hurts himself by issuing a few too many walks. The Phillies will likely give Bastardo an opportunity to fill one of their bullpen spots this season. If he can cut down on the walks, Bastardo could establish himself as one of the better left-handed bullpen arms in the game.

2010

Bastardo began last season in the bullpen at Double-A Reading after the Phillies assessed that he was better suited for a relief role due to a history of injuries but then the team quickly changed their plans and put him in the rotation. Bastardo dominated at Reading and was promoted to Triple-A where he continued to pitch well. He was called up to the majors in June to fill in for an injured Brett Myers and looked a bit shaky. Bastardo showed off a solid fastball in the low-90s but struggled to locate his breaking pitches and was often throwing only his fastball during his outings. A shoulder strain sent Bastardo to the disabled list and when he returned in September he was moved into the bullpen but made only one appearance. Bastardo has the potential to be a solid starter in the majors but it seems the Phillies envision him filling a relief role to keep him healthy. He'll compete for a bullpen job this spring.

2009

After shutting opponents down in five early-season starts with High-A Clearwater, Bastardo spent the rest of 2008 with Double-A Reading, going 2-5 with a 3.76 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 62 strikeouts through 67 innings in his 14 starts. Bastardo is a flyball pitcher with an 88-92 mph fastball who uses a solid changeup as his out pitch. He's has potential as a future starter in the league, although it's unlikely that time will come in 2009 unless the Phillies are desperate for help in their rotation.