Zach Eflin, An Arm To Watch At Double-A Reading

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies starting rotation has struggled for quite some time here in 2015. Injuries and ineffectiveness have made it difficult at times to know who is getting the ball from day-to-day. But help would seem to be on the way in the minor league system.

Of course everyone is quite aware of the progress of 2014 first-round draft pick Aaron Nola, who made his Triple-A debut last night, pitching five shutout innings, getting the win for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs over Buffalo.

Down at Double-A Reading there is another talented right-hander worth getting excited about in 21-year-old Zach Eflin.

Acquired in the off-season in the Jimmy Rollins trade, the 6'4" Eflin is 4-4 in 12 starts for the Fightin Phils this season with a 2.99 ERA. In 72-1/3 innings, he has allowed 64 hits and just 16 walks with 35 strikeouts. His arsenal includes a two-seam and four-seam fastball complimented by a slider and change-up.

"I'd say my fastball command I've made the most progression this year so far," Eflin tells KYW Newsradio. "I think I've been able to do a good job, keep the ball low. Throw my two-seam and four-seam, mix my speeds and mix them up. That's what I strive (for), to throw my fastball for a strike."

Listen to the entire interview with Reading's Zach Eflin

In his last start on Wednesday night in Trenton, Eflin was impressive. He had a rough third inning where some loose defense behind him led to three unearned runs (four overall). But he hung zeroes up before and after that. His final line for the night saw him go six innings, allowing the four runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts. He got a no-decision in a game Reading eventually lost to the Thunder, 6-5.

Eflin was drafted by the Padres with the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 Draft. He had spent his entire pro career in the San Diego organization before being traded to the Dodgers who quickly flipped him to the Phils. He talks about settling in with the Phillies organization.

"It was home as soon as I got there," Eflin says. "I felt accepted and I've met a lot of good guys so far and they've accepted me as one of their own. I think that was the coolest thing that I went through, from being with the Padres the past three years and developing the friendships that you do and coming to a new organization and feeling like a part of the family. I think that was the best thing."

A lot of people are looking forward to one day seeing Eflin in the rotation in Philadelphia. He says he thinks about the possibility, but keeps it in perspective.

"It's in the back of our minds, you know," Eflin says. "We're here in Double-A to do our time and to learn and that's the biggest reason why were here. You just have to live one day at a time and hope for the best."

Reading opens an eight-game homestand tonight against Portland.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.