Hellickson open to possibility of returning

ATLANTA — Jeremy Hellickson’s first and possibly only season with the Phillies had to be considered a success.

Philadelphia traded a Minor League pitcher to Arizona for him in November, hoping he could stabilize an inexperienced rotation. Hellickson fulfilled the Phillies’ wishes, finishing his season on Thursday night in a 5-2 loss to the Braves at Turner Field at 12-10 with a 3.71 ERA. He made a career-high 32 starts and matched a career high with 189 innings.

So while it is unfortunate that his season ended in the fourth inning because of a sprained right knee — it does not seem serious — he has set himself up nicely for free agency.

“I would love to be back next year,” Hellickson said, when asked if this was his final start with the Phillies.

But returning to Philadelphia seems like a long shot. The Phillies plan to make him a qualifying offer after the season, though they expect him to reject it and sign with another team. Comparable starters like Mike Leake (five years, $80 million) and Ian Kennedy (five years, $70 million) …

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