2024 IronPigs Early Roster Preview: Starting Pitchers

I usually start the process of projecting the IronPigs roster in December and early January when the Phillies begin signing minor league veterans to fill out the Triple-A depth chart.  Lately, the Phillies have been less aggressive on that front, and more willing to wait for waiver opportunities and some more accomplished names to become available.

When it comes to starting pitching, the Phillies did have some bad luck last season, but mostly they were really, really fortunate.  Their rotation stayed intact or very close to it, for much of the season.  Cristopher Sanchez arrived and pitched really well down the stretch.  The injury to top prospect Andrew Painter and the slow development of fellow prospect Mick Abel were two spots that hurt the depth chart.  The IronPigs were not flush with starting pitching last season and it mostly only hurt the Triple-A team.

This season, it seems that the Phillies are more determined to have starting pitching depth available at the top level of the minors.  Remember that more signings could happen, injuries could happen, and other roster events like waivers or opt-outs could impact the list below.  But right now, here are the players to keep an eye on as Spring Training gets underway:

40-Man Roster

These players are on the 40-man MLB roster, and would need an option to be on the IronPigs.  There is some debate on who has waivers, who needs ‘player permission’ and who might need to pass through waivers to come to Allentown. It has been reported that some players have split contracts so that they get paid reasonably to play in the minors, taking some of the sting out of that assignment.

Kolby Allard:  LHP started three games for the Braves last season and two for Gwinnett after battling some shoulder issues.  He may have the inside track on a bullpen spot with the big club, but if they want him stretched out they’ll send him down.

Max Castillo:  RHP worked in relief for Kansas City last season, but started 21 games at Triple-A.

Nick Nelson:  RHP started 20 games for the IronPigs last season, but is probably looked at as a bulk reliever for the Phillies.

Spencer Turnbull:  The veteran RHP was signed as a free agent after turning in a largely ineffective season with Detroit and Toledo last season.  He looks to re-gain form.

Non-Roster Invitees

These players are not on the 40-man roster, but will start Spring Training with the MLB team so that the coaches on that level can become familiar with them.  And, so that they can absorb some workload during the early spring training games.

Mick Abel:  RHP and upper-level prospect has 27 starts over the past two seasons at Double-A.  He did get a look-see with the IronPigs at the end of last season.  I would expect him in Allentown to start the season.

David Buchanan:  He’s back!  Following time in Japan and Korea Buchanan returns to familiar surroundings.  He last pitched in Allentown in 2016.

Griff McGarry:  The hard-throwing RHP should start in Lehigh Valley, but the big question is if he’ll be a starter or a reliever.  I saw a ton of him last season, and I really think he should be working in relief at this juncture.  But, he’s made some delivery changes in the off-season, and if they want him getting innings on a regular basis, he could find himself in the IronPigs rotation.

Tyler Phillips:  He split last season between the IronPigs and Reading, and should be back here to begin the season.  He could lose out in a numbers situation, but the MLB invite is a good sign.

Minor League Guys

David Parkinson:  The lefty had a 3.80 ERA in 25 appearances–22 starts–for the ‘Pigs last season.  That’s pretty valuable.  As is the fact that he’s left handed.

Noah Skirrow:  He started last season really strong before becoming a kind of swing-starter down the stretch.  We’ll see what kind of role they have for him this season.

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Sometimes other minor league players–often from the lower levels–get opportunities in the Spring Training games as well, so keep an eye out for that as we begin following daytime baseball over the next month or so.

Who did I forget?  Use the comments to add names or context where needed.

Up Next:  Catchers and Infielders

@Kram207