Looks like the Phillies’ starting rotation is set, for now, and Zach Eflin won’t be part of it.

Instead they’ll go with Ben Lively, who will round out a group that includes Aaron Nola, Vince Velasquez, and Nick Pivetta. Jake Arrieta will debut on April 8th and likely be optioned or put on the DL before he’s ready to go.

With 12 position players and 13 pitchers, I believe the bullpen then looks something like this (in no order):

  1. Pat Neshek
  2. Hector Neris
  3. Tommy Hunter
  4. Luis Garcia
  5. Edubray Ramos
  6. Drew Hutchison
  7. Adam Morgan
  8. Hoby Milner

So it’s Jake Thompson or Victor Arano for the 9th spot, if I have that correct.

The Phils open in Atlanta on Thursday and play their first six games on the road. Arrieta would be back for the final game of the home opening series against the Marlins. He’s set to pitch tomorrow in Clearwater.