Lehigh Valley

Jorge Alfaro, 24, Acquired from Texas in 2015; .241/.291/.358 in 324AB with Lehigh Valley; 7HR 43RBI; 5%BB/33%K; .279 vs LHH, .223 vs RHH, .247 with RISP; 77 games caught with 2 errors (.997); 9 passed balls; 15/46 CS (33%); After starting the season very hot, Alfaro struggled for large portions of the year with the bat and was merely adequate with the glove.  Because of the injury to Andrew Knapp in Philly, Alfaro got the call up and he has caught fire at the plate but his defensive inadequacies come out frequently.  Grade: C; 2018: Alfaro is without options.  He will be in Philly.

Logan Moore, 27, Phils 9th round pick in 2011; .233/.310/.362 in 210AB; 6HR 31RBI; 11%BB/31%K; .133 vs LHP, .261 vs RHP; .239 last 30 days; 58 games caught with 4 errors (.991); 5 passed balls; 19/45 CS (42%); Moore continues to be an excellent defensive catcher that pitchers trust and enjoy throwing to.  His offense is a notch above poor.  Grade: C; 2018: Moore will be a minor league free agent.  The Phils would be wise to bring him back for depth.

Nick Rickles, 27, Acquired from Nationals in 2017; .258/.292/.422 in 158 AB between AA and AAA; 4HR 17RBI; 5%BB/15%K; 33 games caught with 2 errors; 3 passed balls; 11/26 CS(42% CS rate); Rickles was a depth pickup mid year for the organization and did a nice job filling in for both Reading and Lehigh Valley when needed; Grade: B; 2018: Likely elsewhere

Reading

Deivi Gruillon, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2013; .249/.283/.398 in 354AB between Clearwater and Reading; 12HR 37RBI; 5%BB/22%K; .229/.270/.410 in 83AB with Reading; 12 games caught with 12 errors (.985); 10 passed balls; 40/109CS (37%); Overall a decent season for Gruillon who progressed through Clearwater to Reading, showing a level of competency with the bat and hitting for some power.  For a guy who has always had his defense mentioned as his most positive attribute, he struggled a bit with his glove, but his arm was excellent.  Grade: B-; 2018: Reading. Continue reading Report Card–Catchers →

Lakewood

Gustavo Armas, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 15 games (7 starts) between Williamsport and Lakewood; 1-4 with a 5.19ERA; 1SV; 52IP 57H 10BB 48K; .277 opp avg; 1.29WHIP; 0.83GO/AO; 1.7BB/8.3K per 9; .318 opp avg last 30 days; Armas struggled after his promotion but threw well for the Crosscutters.  Grade: C; 2018: Lakewood

Casey Brown, 24, Signed as a free agent in 2016; 22 games, 2-2 with a 2.95ERA; 42.2IP 41H 11BB 25K; .247 opp avg; 1.22WHIP; 1.32 GO/AO; 2.3BB/5.3K per 9; .224 vs LHH, .263 vs RHH; .212 last 30 days; Brown did a good job in his role primarily as an innings eater.  At 24 and in Low A, without overpowering stuff, he will likely become a free agent once again.  Grade: B

Ismael Cabrera, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 33 games, 8-5 with a 3.63ERA; 57IP 50H 19BB 57K; 3.0BB/9.0K per 9; .242 opp avg; 1.21WHIP; .231 vs LHH, .250 vs RHH, .255 last 30 days; Cabrera has now thrown 48 games over two seasons in Lakewood, continuing to do a competent job.  Grade: B-; 2017: CLearwater

Tyler Hallead, 22, Phils 24th round pick in 2016; 27 games, 1-1 with a 5.05ERA; 41IP 32H 22BB 49K; .216 opp avg; 1.32WHIP; 1.26 GO/AO; 4.8BB/10.8K per 9; .258 vs LHH, .183 vs RHH, .143 last 30 days; Hallead had an excellent August but is a guy that has generally been mediocre through his two years in the organization.  Grade: C; 2018: Important that he proves himself prior to the next draft class coming in…

Jon Hennigan, 23, Phils 21st round pick in 2016; 30 games, 1-3 with a 5.84ERA; 3SV; 49.1IP 47H 27BB 67K; .245 opp avg; 1.50WHIP; 0.67 GO/AO; 4.9BB/12.2K per 9; .293 vs LHH, .209 vs RHH, Hennigan missed the last month of the season injured and it was pretty clear through looking at his three outings prior to being placed on the DL that he was likely pitching injured.  Like many at he lower levels, needs to throw strikes.  Grade: C-; 2018: See Hallead, Tyler

Will Hibbs, 23, Phils 19th round pick in 2016; 45 games between Lakewood and Clearwater; 6-4 with a 2.48ERA; 20SV; 69IP 40H 24BB 80K; .163 opp avg; 0.93WHIP; 1.29 GO/AO; 3.1BB/10.4K per 9; Hibbs absolutely dominated the SAL League this year and was the best closer in the league.  His short call up to Clearwater, was not pleasant or successful.  Here is hoping 2018 is different…Grade: A-; 2018: CLearwater

Jake Kelzer, 24, Phils 18th round pick in 2016; 18 games between WIlliamsport and Lakewood, 1-1 with a 4.40ERA; 28.2IP 26H 11BB 24K; .248 opp avg; 1.29WHIP; 3.5BB/7.5K per 9; 3.74ERA and .235 opp avg while pitching for Lakewood; Far from overwhelming but competent results for Kelzer.  Grade: C+; 2018: Another one of the “tweeners” who may or may not be given a shot to advance/come back.

Mauricio Llovera, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 30 games (10 starts); 2-4 with a 3.35ERA; 86IP 81H 33BB 94K; 3.5BB/9.8K per 9; .250 opp avg; 1.33WHIP; 0.75GO/AO; .276 vs LHH, .226 vs RHH, .370 opp avg last 30 days; Llovera was predominately a starter during the second half of the season but the bullpen is probably the long term landing spot.  After an outstanding 2016 in the GCL, he threw well this season skipping Williamsport; Grade: B-; 2018: Clearwater

Addison Russ, 22, Phils 19th round pick in 2017; 17 games between WIlliamsport and Lakewood, 1-2 with a 3.98ERA; 31.2IP 31H 9BB 40K; 2.6BB/11.4K per 9; For Lakewood: 3.49ERA; .241 opp avg; 1.20WHIP; The first two professional games for Russ with WIlliamsport were ugly, however he bounced back with Lakewood to throw very well.  2017: B; 2018: Clearwater

Williamsport

Luis Ramirez, 19, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 23 games, 1-3 with a 2.27ERA; 11SV; 31.2IP 26H 16BB 23K; .226 opp avg; 1.33WHIP; .211 vs LHH, .241 vs RHH, .191 last 30 days; 4.6BB/6.5K per 9; First time pitching in the States and did a very nice job as a 19 year old in WIlliamsport.  Control needs work.  Should move along to Lakewood; Grade: B+ Continue reading Report Card–Relief Pitching, Lakewood, WIL and GCL →

Lakewood

Luis Carrasco, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2013; 10 starts, 3-3 with a 3.33ERA between Williamsport and Lakewood; 51.1IP 44H 24BB 31K; .230 opp avg; 1.32WHIP; 1.54 GO/AO; 4.2BB/5.4K per 9; 4 starts for Lakewood; 1-3 with a 4.43ERA; .280 opp avg; 1.52WHIP; 4.4BB/4/7K per 9; Adequate season for Carrasco who threw well enough in Williamsport to join Lakewood.  After dominating in the GCL in 2016, he looked much more average against more advanced competition.  Grade: C+; 2018: Lakewood

Bailey Falter, 20, Phils 5th round pick in 2015; 21 starts, 8-7 with a 2.99ERA; 114.1IP 117H 23BB 105K; .270 opp avg; 1.22WHIP; 1.10GO AO; .331 vs LHH, .231 vs RHH, .220 last 30 days; 1.8BB/8.3K per 9; A very strong year for Falter who is a good example of what outstanding command can do.  His extremely low walk rate allowed for an increased occasional margin for error when challenging hitters.  Grade: B+; 2018: Clearwater

Adonis Medina, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 22 starts, 4-9 with a 3.01ERA; 119.2IP 103H 39BB 133K; .227 opp avg; 1.19WHIP; 1.22 GO/AO; 3.0BB/10.0K per 9; .258 vs LHH .200 vs RHH, .204 last 30 days; .214 with RISP; Outstanding year for Medina who albeit with a poor won/loss record, continued show progress and potential as a top of the rotation starter in the upcoming years.  Grade: A-; 2018: Clearwater

Nick Fanti, 20, Phils 31st round pick in 2015; 21 starts, 9-2 with a 2.54ERA; 120.1IP 87H 28BB 121K; .200 opp avg; 0.96 WHIP; 0.70GO/AO; 2.1BB/9.1K per 9; 10 starts Post All Star game, 2.88ERA and .221 opp avg; After spending two seasons in the GCL, Fanti moved to Lakewood and was tremendous, allowing 2 runs or less in 12 of his 21 starts.  There was concern that he would slow down in the second half but proved the doubters wrong, including throwing a no hitter July 17th.  Grade: A; Certainly Clearwater…I see one of the Medina/Falter/Fanti trio double bumping to Reading. Continue reading Report Card–Starting Pitching–Lakewood, WIL and GCL →

Lehigh Valley

Pat Venditte, 32, Signed as a free agent in 2017; 52 games, 9-5 with a 3.36ERA: 2SV; 69.2IP 54H 36BB 69K; .217 opp avg; 1.29WHIP; 0.94 GO/AO; .218 vs LHH, .216 vs RHH, .286 last 30 days; 4.7BB/8.9K per 9; Venditte did a real nice job this year for Lehigh Valley other than a walk rate that was too high; He succeeded in the may roles he was asked to fill.  Grade: B; 2018: ANother organization….with all of the Phils bullpen issues this year, if he didn’t get a chance with the big club, he never will.  He will look to go where he may have a shot.

Pedro Beato, 31, Signed as a free agent in 2017; 52 games, 1-3 with a 2.75ERA; 33SV; 55.2IP 41H 20BB 42K; .202 opp avg; 1.10WHIP; 3.2BB/6.8K per 9; .222 vs LHH, .186 vs RHH, .200 opp avg last 30 days; Beato set the Lehigh Valley all time saves record and was one of the primary reason the ‘Pigs hung on to a playoff spot.  Beato had a 1 appearance cup of coffee with the Phils, during which he was injured and ended up on the DL.  He worked hard, rehabbed and helped the ‘Pigs down the stretch; Grade: A; 2018: Another organization…I don’t believe the Phils feel he has a future in their bullpen

Michael Mariot, 28, Re-signed as free agent in 2017; 45 games, 7-2 with a 4.42ERA; 2SV; 57IP 56H 21BB 63K; .257 opp avg; 1.35WHIP; 0.68 GO/AO; 3.3BB/9.9K per 9; .241 vs LHH, .267 vs RHH, .225 last 30 days; After a brutal April, Mariot came around to have a solid season for Lehigh Valley, getting plenty of work and pitching multiple innings in the mid late innings many times. Grade: C; 2018: Another organization

Cesar Ramos, 33, Signed as free agent in 2017; 40 games (11 starts); 5-4 with a 4.00ERA; 1SV; 92.1IP 91H 31BB 74K; .259 opp avg; 1.32 WHIP; 0.92 GO/AO; 3.0BB/7.2K per 9; .272 vs LHH, .252 vs RHH, .313 opp avg last 30 days; Ramos had one of the most difficult jobs in the ‘Pigs pen as a spot starter and long reliever, often not knowing what role he would land in.  He did a nice job most specifically early in the year eating necessary innings.  Grade: B-; 2018: Another organization

Colton Murray, 27, Phils 13th round pick in 2011; 41 games between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 2-2 with a 4.58ERA; 3SV; 53IP 58H 16BB 63K; .282 opp avg; 1.40 WHIP; For Lehigh Valley: 33 games, 2-2 with a 5.53ERA; 40.2IP 49H 15BB 45K; .301 opp avg; 1.57WHIP; 3.3BB/10.0K per 9; .294 vs LHH, .305 vs RHH; Murray started the year on the 40 man and had just a miserable year.  He was removed from the 40 man and relegated to mostly mop up innings for the ‘Pigs.  Grade: D-; 2018: I would be surprised to see him back. Continue reading Report Card–Relief Pitching–LV, REA, CW →

The next several weeks will feature a report card for every player in the organization.  The “grade” that will be given is a grade that is based on my pre-season expectations on how that player would perform against what actually happened.  Included are players currently on the Phils that bounced back and forth between LV and Philly.

Lehigh Valley

Tom Eshelman, 23, Acquired from Houston in 2015; 23 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 13-3 with a 2.40ERA; 150IP 128H 18BB 102K; .233 opp avg; 0.97WHIP; 0.91GO/AO   ; Eshelman was consistently outstanding all year.  Not overpowering but is a consistent strike thrower that keeps hitters very off balanced. He has a high pitching IQ and having watched Eshelman start probably a dozen games live over the last 2 years, I believe he will be a very solid major league starter.  Grade: A; 2018: Will compete for the #4-5 spot in the Phils rotation, but importantly does not need to be added to the 40 man until the end of next season.  With that, I think a start to the season with the ‘Pigs is more likely than not.

Henderson Alvarez, 27, SIgned as a free agent in 2017; Started three games for Lehigh Valley during the last two weeks of the season and was 2-0 with a 2.84ERA; .268 opp avg; 1.32WHIP; 2.8BB/3.8K per 9; Alvarez was a much needed addition late in the season to a Lehigh Valley rotation decimated by injury and callus.  He did a very nice job but likely not a long term future for ALvarez here.

Mark Appel, 26, Acquired from Houston in 2015; 17 starts; 5-4 with a 5.27ERA; .284 opp avg; 1.76WHIP; 5.8BB/6.6K per 9; .326 vs LHH, .253 vs RHH, .292 with RISP; Another partially lost season for Appel who was shut down in July with arm problems once again.  It was much of the same for Appel with a combination of command issues and injury problems leading to another disappointing season for the former #1 draft pick.  He has begun getting rehab innings in and I would expect him to participate over the Winter in game action.  Grade: D; 2018: On 40 man roster, with 2 options left currently, much depends on how he may prove his health over the winter.

Brandon Leibrandt, 24, Phils 6th round pick in 2014; 25 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 11-5 with a 3.62ERA; 136.2IP 136H 47BB 105K; .265 opp avg; 1.34WHIP; 0.96GO/AO; 3.1BB/6.9K per 9; For Lehigh Valley: 12 starts, 5-3 with a 3.94ERA; 64IP 59H 24BB 53K; .244 opp avg; 1.30WHIP; 3.4BB/7.5K per 9; After missing most of 2016 injured, Leibrandt showed very nice progression this season, proving he was a more than capable AAA starter.  Grade: B; 2018: Lehigh Valley rotation Continue reading Report Card–Starting Pitching, LV, REA and CW →

Decimated by both injury and roster roulette, Lehigh Valley has lost 9 of their last 11 games and are 28-33 since owning the best record in minor league baseball at 41-19.  A disappointing weekend at home against Charlotte, during which they lost 3 of 4 and are now 69-52 and 8 games back of division leading Scranton.  In the race for a wild card spot, the ‘Pigs have fallen 0.5 game behind Rochester.  After a much needed day off tomorrow, Lehigh Valley travels to Norfolk for three games then to CHarlotte for three over next weekend. The ‘Pigs current roster contains just 10 players who were on the opening day roster.

Probables: Tues: Eshelman, Wed: Lively, Thur: Taveras, Fri: Thompson, Sat: Leibrandt

News and Notes: On Sunday, Scott Kingery extended his current hitting streak to 12 games, during which time he is hitting .314. Kingery has hit in 28 of his last 29 games dating back a month.

—JP Crawford has now hit in 9 straight games, during which he is hitting .389.  Since July 1st, Crawford has been on base 35 out of 40 games and has hit .400, while hitting 11HR, tied for the IL lead. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Buffalo took two of three from Lehigh Valley over the weekend, dropping the ‘Pigs record to 65-43 on the season.  The ‘Pigs remain in second place of the Northern Division of the International League, 3.5 games behind division leading Scranton with a month remaining in the season.  Lehigh Valley is 2.5 games ahead of Rochester for the wild card spot.  This week, the ‘Pigs play three in Rochester followed by three if Buffalo.

News and Notes: Scott Kingery had a four hit night on Saturday, tying his career high. Kingery now has a 16 game hitting streak, during which he is hitting .314.  The hitting streak is the longest for any Lehigh Valley player this season. Kingery has also reached base in 23 consecutive games, tied for the Lehigh Valley season high.

On Saturday, Ricardo Pinto extended his scoreless streak to 17IP since moving to the bullpen (major league activity not included).  Pinto has been perfect in stranding inherited runners as well (13) Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →

Two straight late inning, come from behind wins for Lehigh Valley, who have now won three straight games to start their seven game road trip through the South.  The ‘Pigs conclude their series with Gwinnett tonight, before heading to Durham for a four game series against the Bulls over the weekend.  Currently sitting at 59-37, the ‘Pigs are 1.5 games behind division leading Scranton and hold a 4.5 game lead over Rochester in the wildcard standings.

News and Notes: Tom Eshelman has made 12 AAA starts and 10 of them have been “quality starts”.  Since April 18th, Eshelman is a combined 10-2 with a 2.27ERA in 15 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley with a walk rate of just 1.1 per 9 IP.

—JP Crawford has now homered in 6 of his last 14 games (48AB) and has more homers than he did in all of 2016.  Crawford has reached base on 15 of his 16 games in July, hitting .286 over that time period.

–After walking just 4 times in his first 50 games, C Jorge Alfaro has walked 12 times in the last 25 games.  That said, his average is down under .250.  Over the last 18 games, Alfaro is hitting just .165.

—Dylan Cozens is hitting .295 at Coca Cola Park and .180 on the road.

—Rhys Hoskins has hit his first extended rough patch of the season, hitting just .160 (8-50) thus far in July.

—2B Scott Kingery is hitting a combined .320 in his last 30 games (AA/AAA).  Kingery is the only player in all of baseball with 20HR and 20SB already this season.

–Over his last 10 starts (AA/AAA), P Brandon Leibrandt is a combined 6-1 with a 1.82ERA.  He has won all of his AAA starts and 6 striaght starts combining AA and AAA.

–With his save on Tuesday night, Pedro Beato has taken over the record for saves in a single season for LV, with his 27th, passing Scott Mathieson.  Beato is unscored upon in his last 9 games, which have included 5SV.

–RP Colton Murray is really struggling having been scored upon in 4 of his last 5 outings (12.70ERA) without recording a strikeout.

–Since May 25th, RP Yacksel Rios is a combined 0-0 with a 1.17ERA and a SV in 9G between Reading and Lehigh Valley

–After an outstanding start to the season, RP Pat Venditte has an ERA over 6 in his last 21 appearances.

Probables: Wed: Eflin, Thur: Thompson, Fri: Leibrandt; Sat: Eshelman

‘Pigs leaders: Hitting, Dylan Cozens is 5th in AB(340),10th in SLG(.479), is 4th in RBI(59), leads the league homers (22), strikeouts (125) and is 7th in runs(55)Rhys Hoskins leads the league in runs (63),RBI(68), SLG(.550), is 5th in BB(48),  7th in OBP(.376)is 3rd in HR(20),  7th in hits (92); JP Crawford is 7th in triples (4) and is 2nd in BB(52); Nick Williams is 7th in HR (15) and 5th in SLG (.511); ; Jorge Alfaro is 9th in strikeouts(96); Pitching: Pat Venditte is 7th in wins(8), 7th in games (35); Jake Thompson leads the league in losses (11); Tom Eshelman is 3rd in ERA (2.14) and leads the league in WHIP (0.95); Pedro Beato leads the league in games(41), saves(27); Mark Appel is 2nd in walks (53)

Transactions: Comings: Harold Martinez (from Reading); P Mark Leiter (from Philadelphia), OF Herlis Rodriguez (from Reading), P Zach Eflin (activated from the DL), P Ben Lively (from Philadelphia), P Yacksel Rios (from Reading); Goings: P Mark Peterson (Released), P Mark Appel (Placed on DL), INF Jorge Flores (to Reading), OF Nick Williams (promoted to Philadelphia)

A look around the lower levels with plenty to talk about in Clearwater and Lakewood; Too early for any commentary on Williamsport or GCL performances.

Clearwater

Edgar Garcia, 20, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 19G (8 starts); 2-3 with a 4.03ERA; 51.1IP 55H 17BB 56K; .271 opp avg; 1.40WHIP; 3.0BB/9.8K per 9; .310 vs LHH, .244 vs RHH, .298 opp avg last 30 days; Garcia moved into the Clearwater rotation relatively recently and the results have been ok, his stuff is a bit better than ok.

Franklyn Kilome, 22, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 14 starts; 4-3 with a 2.61ERA; 69IP 65H 26BB 62K; .257 opp avg; 1.32WHIP; 3.4BB/8.1K per 9; .255 vs LHH, .259 vs RHH, .253 opp avg last 30 days; Very Good results for Kilome but not overwhelming; Has been consistent all season; Needs to improve his walk rate a bit.

JoJo Romero, 20, Phils 4th round pick in 2016; 14 starts between CLearwater and Lakewood; 5-2 with a 1.95ERA; 83IP 64H 23BB 89K; 2.5BB/9.7K per 9; .161 vs LHH, .254 vs RHH; .179 opp avg with RISP; Romero has been extremely impressive this year throwing consistently well for Lakewood before his promotion last week to Clearwater.  He projects as a #3 or 4 major league starter at this rate.

Ranger Suarez, 21, Signed as a free agent in 2011; 14 starts, all for Lakewood; 6-2 with a 1.59ERA; 85IP 52H 24BB 90K; .177 opp avg; 0.89WHIP; 2.5BB/9.5K per 9; .080 vs LHH, .218 vs RHH; .109 with RISP; 1.05 ERA since June 1; Suarez received his well deserved promotion this week and has yet to make a start for Clearwater; The numbers simply cant get much better.

Jose Taveras, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2014; 14 starts, 5-4 with a 2.45ERA; 88IP 74H 22BB 77K; .227 opp avg; 1.09WHIP; 2.3BB/7.9K per 9; .193 vs LHH, .251 vs RHH, .244 opp avg last 30 days; Taveras has been excellent all season; I would love to see him get a half dozen starts for Reading before the year is out.

Jacob Waguespack, 23, Signed as a free agent in 2015; 21 games, 7 starts; 5-3 with a 2.53ERA; 53.1IP 47H 19BB 57K; 3.2BB/9.6K per 9; .258 vs LHH, .223 vs RHH; .239 opp avg last 30 days; As a starter: 4-1 with a 1.97ERA; .231 opp avg; 1.06WHIP; Waguespack’s transition into the rotation has been largely successful.  Still needs to be stretched out a bit.

Lakewood

Bailey Falter, 20, Phils 5th round pick in 2015; 14 starts, 4-5 with a 3.24ERA; 75IP 80H 13BB 63K; .276 opp avg; 1.24WHIP; 1.6BB/7.6K per 9; .315 vs LH, .245 vs RHH, .300 opp avg last 30 days; Falter has thrown well this year with an occasional expected bump along the way. Continue reading Around the System–Starting Pitching, Lower Levels →

Lehigh Valley

Mark Appel, 25, Acquired from Astros in 2015; 16 starts; 5-4 with a 4.87ERA; 81.1IP 88H 48BB 60K; 9HR allowed; .278 opp avg; 1.67WHIP; 5.3BB/6.6K per 9; .321 vs LHH, .246 vs RHH, .288 opp avg last 30 days; 2.50 ERA in 6 June starts; Appel seems to be showing signs of improvement however, put simply, needs to throw strikes.  Even in June, his walk rate was 5.2 per 9, which indicates he pitched out of many a jam, which ultimately will backfire.

Tom Eshelman, 23 Acquired from Astros in 2015; 16 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 10-2 with a 2.27ERA; 107IP 91H 14BB 74K; 11HR allowed; 1.2BB/6.2K per 9; .234 opp avg; 0.98WHIP; For Lehigh Valley: 11 starts, 7-2 with a 1.96ERA; .225 opp avg; 0.94WHIP; 1.0BB/6.0K per 9; Eshelman has been outstanding all year, earning a AAA all star berth, in which he will be the starting pitcher.  Far from overpowering, Eshelman has pinpoint command and is a pleasure to work behind as he works very quickly.

Brandon Leibrandt, 24, Phils 6th round pick in 2014; 15 starts between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 7-2 with a 3.23ERA; 83.2IP 85H 28BB 62K; .273 opp avg; 1.35WHIP; 5HR allowed;3.0BB/6.6K per 9;  5-1 with a 2.44ERA in last 10 starts; 2 starts for Lehigh Valley: 1-0 with 2.45ERA.  Leibrandt has had a very good year, throwing well consistently. Spent a good portion of 2016 hurt, so the Phils will be watching his innings moving forward I suspect.

Jake Thompson, 23, Acquired from Texas in 2015; 15 starts, 3-9 with a 5.97ERA; 75.1IP 97H 29BB 62K; 6HR allowed; 3.5BB/7.4K per 9; .321 opp avg; 1.67WHIP; .305 vs LHH; .333 vs RHH; .345 opp avg last 30 days; 2017 has been an unmitigated disaster for Thompson.  While watching several of his AAA rotation partners getting called to Philly and having a modicum of success (or at least not all out failure), Thompson has basically been throwing batting practice all season.  After an outstanding 2016, I’m curious as to whether this is a health issue or the tinkering of his mechanics

Cesar Ramos, 33, Signed as a free agent in 2017; 21 games (9 starts); 4-3 with a 3.86ERA; 58.1IP 55H 18BB 41K; 2.8BB/6.3K per 9; .231 vs LHH, .260 vs RHH, .327 opp avg last 30 days; In his 9 starts, Ramos is 0-3 with a 5.75ERA; As a reliever, Ramos is 4-0 with an 0.81ERA; Ramos has been the sacrificial lamb when the ‘Pigs need a starter which has been fairly often due to injuries and callups.  The numbers speak for themselves…he is most effective in the ‘pen, as a long reliever.

DL: Zach Eflin.

Reading

Drew Anderson, 23, Phils 21st round pick in 2012; 16 starts; 5-3 with a 3.56ERA; 83.1IP 67H 27BB 71K; 10HR allowed;.216 opp avg; 1.13 WHIP; 2.9BB/7.7K per 9; .212 vs LHH; .221 vs RHH, .178 opp avg last 30 days; Anderson is one of those pitchers you watch who you think could be a major league pitcher; He has a mound presence and knows how to pitch with it showing in his results; Previous injury issues will have the Phils closely monitoring innings in the second half of the season.

Tommy Bergjans, 24, Acquired from Dodgers in 2016; 4 starts, 1-1 with a 6.75ERA; 17.1IP 16H 6BB 14K; 3.1BB/7.3K per 9; .246 opp avg; 1.27WHIP; .200 vs LHH, .300 vs RHH; Bergjans moved into the Reading rotation in June after spending the first two months of the season in Extended Spring Training.  He has pitched better than his ERA indicates but after watching him a couple of times, he probably maxes out as a AA arm.

Cole Irvin, 23, Phils 5th round pick in 2016; 14 starts between CLearwater and Reading; 6-6 with a 2.70ERA; 80IP 85H 17BB 60K; 1.9BB/6.8K per 9; .273 opp avg; 1.28 WHIP; 4HR allowed; Irvin has thrown very well this year, transitioning to Reading recently with two effective starts.  After holding the opposition to a .197 average last year, Irvin has been more hittable this season but shown a good deal of savvy on the mound.

John Richy, 24, Acquired from Dodgers in 2015; 11 games (6 starts) between Reading and Lehigh Valley; 1-2 with a 6.29ERA; 34.1IP 52H 7BB 22K; .354 opp avg; 1.72 WHIP; 1.8BB/5.8K per 9; Richy was injured to start the season and has been consistently poor since being activated from the DL.

Tyler Viza, 22, Phils 32nd round pick in 2013;14 starts, 6-4 with a 5.45ERA; 71IP 78H 23BB 50K; .275 opp avg; 1.42WHIP; 2.9BB/6.3K per 9; .295 vs LHH, .255 vs RHH, .247 opp avg last 30 days; Viza has had an ERA over 5 each month of the season thus far after a good 2016.  His last start was an excellent start in beginning to turn things around.

DL: Miguel Nunez, Mario Sanchez; Suspended: Eineiry Garcia