Phillies reliever Tony Watson finds way to fit in velocity-fueled bullpen without throwing hard

The Phillies brought three relievers to spring training who throw at least 95 mph as they rebuilt their bullpen with an emphasis on velocity. Major-league teams, especially in recent seasons, have built stables of relievers with fastballs near triple-digits.

And the Phillies needed to catch up.

José Alvarado is regularly touching 100 mph this spring, Sam Coonrod throws 98, and Archie Bradley topped out Saturday at 95. Hector Neris, JoJo Romero, and Connor Brogdon — three leftovers from last season — also throw 95 or harder.

Then there’s Tony Watson, the most established reliever the Phillies acquired this winter but also the lightest thrower. He’s a 35-year-old lefthander with a funky arm slot who topped out Friday at 91 mph.

But as the game rapidly prioritizes powerful fastballs, Watson has paved his own path to success.

“I always thought of myself as a pitcher, first,” said Watson, a major-league reliever for 10 seasons. “I don’t have the velo. I’m definitely not on the younger side anymore. That’s where the game is going. You have to figure out ways to get your outs. Learning hitters, remembering match-ups from previous years, and then just reading swings. When you’re in compete mode and the guy is in the box, he’s telling you a lot of what he’s trying to do. It’s a game of cat and mouse and hopefully experience wins out and you can make a pitch and get a guy out.”

Watson is in camp on a minor-league deal, but is in a good spot to earn one of the team’s eight bullpen spots. Four of his five outings this spring have been scoreless, including Friday night’s inning against the Yankees which included strikeouts of Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu.

The Phillies need to inform him and right-hander Brandon Kintzler — another veteran reliever having a nice spring — later this week if they are on the opening day roster or else they could opt out of their contracts. Both pitchers have good chances.

“I learned a long time ago that if you start playing GM, you’re going to be wrong all the time,” Watson said. “So I try not to do that. I try to let the cards fall. It’s a tricky business. We’ll see.”

Watson’s fastball last season averaged at just 90.06 mph, but he finished with his lowest ERA (2.50) in five seasons. He pairs the fastball with a low-80s change-up, which he threw last season for 48 percent of his pitches. It is how he has found success.

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Watson has a 2.80 ERA in 10 major-league seasons, was an All Star in 2014, was the winning pitcher in two World Series games for the Dodgers in 2017, and was one of Gabe Kapler’s trusted relievers last season for a surprising Giants team.

He was a starter in the minor leagues with Pittsburgh for three seasons before the Pirates gauged his interest in a relief role. The Pirates needed a lefthander for their bullpen and Watson was hoping to be added to the 40-man roster that winter. Was he interested? Of course.

» READ MORE: After losing 50 pounds, Phillies’ José Alvarado could be team’s closer with a 100 mph fastball

He lowered his arm slot to throw from a three-quarter delivery, pitched that summer out of the double-A bullpen, and was in Pittsburgh the next season. Among active pitchers, he’s appeared in the seventh-most games. In a changing game, Watson has carved his own role.

“Since I’m on the first base side of the rubber, the arm slot comes behind the left-handed hitter. A little deception,” Watson said. “I’ve always had deception. It’s a healthier delivery. Knock on wood, it’s kept me going.”

Scott Kingery struck out twice Saturday before hitting a single in the eighth inning of a 3-1 loss to Toronto. He remains behind in the centerfield race...Connor Brogdon walked three batters in his first game since injuring his rib...Didi Gregorius started at shortstop after clearing the concussion protocol...Hector Neris, Jose Alvarado, and Archie Bradley all logged scoreless innings...Zach Eflin and Spencer Howard will throw bullpen sessions on Sunday. If their back injuries are not an issue, they could pitch in a game later in the week.