At 6-7, 260 pounds, and with a power fastball, Phillippe Aumont was supposed to be a power pitcher. Instead, he has become a walk machine who is struggling mightily with control and composure on the mound.
Aumont, 24, still has a future ahead of him as a pitcher who throws hard. He’ll be given chances to prove he belongs. But how many more will he get with the Phillies?
In 22 games with the Phils in 2013, Aumont allowed literally tons of baserunners. His 1.91 ERA was the 13th worst in baseball for relievers with at least 10 innings pitched. Aumont tossed 19.1 innings, allowing 11 runs and 11.2 hits-per-nine. He fanned 19 batters, but walked 13.
Aumont was thought of as a possible seventh inning pitcher with Chad Durbin to begin the year; a powerful arm that could shorten the game with his 95+ fastball. In my own head, I believed that Aumont was a future closer of the franchise. For whatever reason, it didn’t work out.
Early in the season, amid his struggles, Rich Dubee questioned his mental fortitude. In September, while other players were being called up, Aumont was left behind. He called the season complete garbage. Assistant GM Benny Looper said, “we thought at some point in the season he would be a dominating guy for us in the bullpen. He didn’t get to that point. We haven’t given up on him getting to that point — and I don’t think he has.”
Grade: F – I thought Aumont would have taken flight this year. Instead, he has taken a step back.
