Spencer Howard, a promising young pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, started off the 2021 season with high hopes. However, after appearing in 7 games and starting 2, Howard’s performance left much to be desired. With a 5.63 ERA, it was clear that something needed to change. On Sunday, Howard was designated for assignment (DFA) by the Phillies.

This news may come as a disappointment to some Phillies fans who were looking forward to seeing Howard blossom into a top pitcher for the team. But before we jump to any conclusions, let’s take a closer look at Howard’s brief stint in the majors this season.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Howard is only 24 years old. He is still in the early stages of his professional baseball career and has plenty of room to grow and improve. In fact, just last year, Howard was ranked as the Phillies’ top pitching prospect by MLB.com. This is a testament to his potential and the talent that he possesses.

With that being said, Howard had a rough start to the 2021 season. In his first appearance, he gave up five runs in just 3.2 innings against the New York Mets. This was followed by another disappointing performance against the Atlanta Braves, where he allowed six runs in just two innings. These early struggles could have been attributed to nerves or simply adjusting to the major leagues.

However, things started to look up for Howard in his next few appearances. He pitched a scoreless inning against the Washington Nationals and followed it up with a solid outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he gave up just one run in four innings. These performances showed glimpses of the potential that Howard possesses and gave hope to Phillies fans.

Unfortunately, Howard’s struggles continued in his last two appearances before being DFA’d. He gave up four runs in just one inning against the Milwaukee Brewers and followed it up with another tough outing against the Miami Marlins, where he allowed five runs in just 2.1 innings. These performances ultimately led to the Phillies’ decision to designate Howard for assignment.

But let’s not forget that Howard is still a young player and is bound to have ups and downs in his career. It’s important to remember that some of the greatest pitchers in the game have had their fair share of struggles early on, but they persevered and became top players in the league.

One thing that cannot be denied is Howard’s potential. He has a strong fastball and a devastating slider, which are both key weapons for a successful pitcher. He also has a solid changeup, which he has been working on to add to his arsenal. With these tools, it’s only a matter of time before Howard finds his groove and becomes a dominant force on the mound.

In addition, Howard has shown resilience and a strong work ethic. He has continuously worked on improving his mechanics and refining his pitches. He has also been open to feedback and has shown a willingness to learn from his coaches and teammates. These are all qualities of a dedicated and determined player who is committed to reaching his full potential.

Moreover, Howard’s brief stint in the majors this season should not overshadow his success in the minor leagues. In 2019, he had an impressive 2.03 ERA in 71 innings pitched for the Reading Fightin Phils. This performance earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he continued to impress with a 2.35 ERA in 19 innings pitched. These numbers show that Howard has the ability to dominate on the mound and should not be written off based on a few rough outings in the majors.

In conclusion, while it may be disappointing to see Spencer Howard designated for assignment, it’s important to keep things in perspective. He is still a young player with a bright future ahead of him. With his talent, resilience, and determination, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a key player for the Philadelphia Phillies. Let’s continue to support and encourage Howard as he works towards reaching his full potential.