The Lehigh Valley IronPigs continue in the hunt for Triple-A playoff glory as they return home for a series with the Gwinnett Stripers.
The IronPigs and their parent organization, the Philadelphia Phillies, are both in the hunt for playoff participation, and one Bryce Harper may play a part for both teams. The outfielder is scheduled to participate in IronPigs games this week as he rehabilitates his thumb injury which was repaired surgically. He also has an elbow injury which will keep him from playing the outfield for the remainder of the season; we’ll see him as the Designated Hitter. This will be the first appearance for Harper at Coca Cola Park since he was coming up through the Nationals’ system.
Harper Report
Bryce Harper, the reigning National League MVP, has posted a .318/.385/.599 stat line on the season for 2022 with the Phillies. The plan for Harper is to join the IronPigs Tuesday and play through Saturday, off on Sunday, and head to Arizona with the Phillies for their series starting Monday. A source tells me Bryce was looking for a tee time Tuesday in the Lehigh Valley, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re out on the links Tuesday around here. Of course, nothing is written in stone, and whether Harper plays each day will be up to him this week based on how he feels and how his thumb responds, so keep that in mind when shopping for tickets.
Team Report
The IronPigs enter this series 64-53, and 2.0 games back of the first-place Durham Bulls. In the last 10 games, the IronPigs are 5-5. They are +30 in run-differential and three games above their expected won-loss on the season. They continue to be better on the road than at home, 35-25 versus 29-28.
Roster Moves
LHP Bailey Falter has been back up to the Phillies for the Saturday doubleheader start, and has returned. I’d expect him to start this week for the IronPigs–perhaps Thursday or Friday this week, unless he gets called up again.
RHP Tyler Cyr has been added to the 40-man and called up to the Phillies. I believe that’s his MLB debut on Sunday. Oh, then he got DFA’d. It’s a tough business, man.
Starting LHP Michael Plassmeyer, who has been excellent for the IronPigs following a rough start, has been called up to be a ‘long-man’ out of the ‘pen for the Phillies. The ‘Pigs rotation will be compromised by this move.
C Jack Conley assigned to AA Reading
1B Darick Hall assigned to AAA Lehigh Valley from Phillies. The plan is for him to get regular at-bats and return to the Phillies when the rosters expand in September.
LHP Cris Sanchez will start for the Phillies Wednesday in Philadelphia versus the Reds. This is to push back the regular rotation and provide an extra day of rest before they start the September playoff push. Of course, this hurts the IronPigs rotation for this important home series, as above
3B Yairo Muñoz recalled by Phillies Tuesday
Players to Watch: IronPigs
OF Dalton Guthrie has been on fire–hitting for average and power. He’s also been playing a solid center field. Some (read: me) have been lobbying for him to get a shot with the big club.
OF Dustin Peterson is back from injury and has returned to a power bat spot in the middle of the lineup. The IronPigs are better for it.
C Rafael Marchan has returned from injury. Watch to see his progress at the plate as well as behind it.
INF Daniel Robertson has also returned from injury. He’s played well of late.
INF Johan Camargo completed his Major League rehab and was then optioned to the ‘Pigs. He won a ring with the Braves last season and began this season as a key defensive player off the bench for the Phillies. Upon his return from a knee injury I’ve observed that he’s not moving really well. Watch to see if you think his mobility is what it should be, and if that might be a reason he’s in Allentown rather than Philadelphia.
3B Will Toffey had a 2-HR game last Friday. He’s been contributing more and more following the return from his own injured-list stint.
Gwinnett Stripers Report
The Atlanta affiliate is 58-59 and in 6th-place in the International League West. They are 22-35 as a road club. However, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and are coming off a 5-1 series win at home against Memphis.
Players to Watch: Gwinnett
Veteran OF Delino DeShields–son of Delino DeShields–is on the team.
You’ll recognize veteran INF Pat Valaika–brother of Chris, Matt and Nick Valaika–on board as well.
Veteran INF Hernán Pérez has been their power bat in the middle of the lineup.
There are a bunch of Atlanta prospects with Gwinnett right now, and most are pitchers: LHP Kyle Muller, LHP Jared Shuster, RHP Bryce Elder, RHP Freddy Tarnok, RHP Darius Vines, RHP William Woods. A couple other prospects are on the Stripers’ Injured List, so watch for roster moves, as well. SS Shewmake is the notable position player on the injured list.
What’s Going On At The Park
Tuesday: IronMuts Night: Cap raffle and jersey auction. Dog Night: bring the puppers and sit in the outfield. Dollar ($1.06) hot dog night! Learn about adopting a dog at the game.
Wednesday: Down the Shore Night
Thursday: Happy Hour: 5PM early gates to the plaza, $1.06 hot dogs from 5PM-7PM. $2 and $3 drafts from 5PM to 7PM. Strike Out Cancer Night. Strike Out Cancer Jersey Auction. Men’s League Softball Night HR Derby (5:15PM) and parade. Little League HR Derby (6PM)
Friday: Gender Reveal Night. Gender Reveal Cap Raffle. Friday Night Fireworks. Field Hockey Night with pre-game skills competition on the field and parade.
Saturday: Jeep Night, Jeep Parade. Saturday Fireworks. (Memo to staff: Should do a Jeep hat or T-Shirt if you’re going to repeat this one in the future.) Toy Drive.
Sunday: Italian Heritage “Hogfather” Night. Back to 1:35PM Sunday Start (I think I prefer). Bocce Ball ticket package available. Toy Drive. Post-game Kids Run the Bases.
What’s Next?
The Swell Swine will head for Norfolk next week, and return the following week for the Red Sox affiliate. That home series will begin on Monday, Labor Day, versus Worcester, with a 5:05PM start, and feature a Tuesday off-day.
See you at the park,
@Kram207