Inbox: How does Buchholz deal affect young arms?

I know the Phillies didn’t give up a Top 30 prospect for Clay Buchholz, but why not let one of the young pitchers pitch? Buchholz isn’t part of the Phillies’ future. — Mike D., London

The move surprised me a bit, because Philadelphia general manager Matt Klentak has made a point to say the club doesn’t want to take away opportunities from its young players. Certainly Buchholz’s arrival means one less opportunity for a starter already in the organization.

The way I see it, four pitchers are either locks or smart bets to make the Opening Day rotation: Jeremy Hellickson, Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez and Buchholz. Aaron Nola is the favorite for the No. 5 spot, if he is healthy and returns to form. If Nola is healthy and effective, the Phillies will have to figure out what to do with Jake Thompson, Zach Eflin, Alec Asher, Adam Morgan, Ben Lively, Nick Pivetta and Mark Appel.

But it could be a short-term issue. If Hellickson repeats his 2016 success and Buchholz bounces back like the Phillies think he will, both are likely to be traded before the end of July. Even if only one is traded, a spot opens up for another starter. And if Buchholz struggles like he did early last season with the Red Sox? Well, then the Phils should have no qualms about bumping him out of the …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com