It’s another home series and an important one: The IronPigs will head out on the road for two straight series to the south, following this week, Norfolk and Charlotte. For now, we look at AAA Blue Jays.
Looking Back
The IronPigs left the Lehigh Valley a week ago Sunday, with a Mother’s Day win to close the series with Worcester, winning four out of six games. They headed to Syracuse for a re-match with the Mets affiliate and won their first three to stretch the winning streak to 7. Then, as soon as I finished a piece about how good the starting rotation has been for the IronPigs, Abel got called up and the Crizzler crapped out. Two losses with a bullpen game and RHP Devin Sweet taking the ball and having a difficult first. With the bullpen taxed, Crismatt didn’t have his magic the next night and had to take one for the team. In the finale on Sunday the ‘Pigs bats hung a 6-spot on LHP Brandon Waddell in the first and that had the team in a good spot. RHP Kyle Tyler steadied the ship and efforts by Kuhnel and M Mercado to mess it up were unsuccessful. The Pigs took the series 4-2.
But that’s what we’re here for, prepare players to help the Phillies when they are ready and able (sorry).
Playoffs and Standings Update
As you will recall, should the IronPigs finish the first half (June 22) in first place in the entire International League they will not only lock in playoffs in September, but lock in as host as well.
The ‘Pigs return from Syracuse still in first place, with a 3.0 game lead on Durham and Jacksonville after both lost on Sunday. Let’s look closer at the ‘Pigs closest competitors:
IronPigs: 31-14, up 3.0G, 4-2 last series at Syracuse, 8-2 in last 10 games. This week home for 17-26 Buffalo.
Durham Bulls: 28-17, 3.0GB, 4-2 last series at Syracuse, 5-5 in last 10 games. This week, second straight series on the road in Worcester vs. 21-23 WooSox.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp: 28-17, 3.0GB, 4-2 last series at Norfolk, 6-4 last 10 games. This week home for 23-20 Memphis, who have been struggling a bit lately.
In the West, Indianapolis has taken over the top spot with a 9-1 last 10, and a 7-game win streak. They are 4.0 games back. Nashville is also 4.0 games back with 7-3 last 10. We’ll look at them more closely next series if they close in.
Transactions and Roster Moves
May 13 Update:
- C Yhoan Escalona promoted to LHV IronPigs and placed on Development List
- RHP John McMillon assigned to Reading Fightins from LHV IronPigs
- LHP Nick Vespi activated from Development List
- RHP Jose Ruiz joins team on rehab assignment from Phillies
- RHP Daniel Robert active for Phillies as 27th man for doubleheader 5/14
On The Fly:
- RHP Max Lazar called up to Phillies
- RHP Mick Abel up, and back, from Philadelphia
- RHP Jose Ruiz return to Philadelphia
- C/3B Yhoan Escalona activated from the Development List
- C Lou Albrecht transferred from 7-Day Injured List to 60-Day Injured List
- C/1B Carson Taylor transferred from 60-Day Injured List to Full-Season Injured List
- RHP Daniel Robert recalled to Philadelphia
May 20 Update:
C/3B Yhoan Escalona to the Development List
Printable Roster: 052025 LHV Roster
Resources: Other Recent Articles and Updates
- (See starting rotation love-fest post linked above. Was written minutes prior to the Abel call-up was announced.)
- IronPigs Notebook with impact on the Phillies and their upcoming search for relief help.
Buffalo Roster, Toronto Prospects
- Prospect #3: 2B/3B Or-Elvis Martinez: 23yo D.R. signee. Killed us last season.
- Prospect #4: LHP Rickey Tidemann: 60-Day Injured List, Tommy John
- Prospect #5: LF Alan Roden: 2022 3rd Rd Pick out of Creighton. Made MLB debut, just 5 games back at Triple-A since.
- Prospect #6: RHP Jake Bloss: 7-Day Injured List
- Prospect #7: SS Josh Kasevich: 60-Day Injured List
- Prospect #25: RHP Lazaro Estrada: Cuban
Buffalo has had a bunch of injuries as you can see from the prospect list above. Other interesting names on the roster: RHP Ryan Burr was with them on Rehab; Former Phillies 2nd-Rd pick RHP Kevin Gowdy is on this team as a reliever; RHP Dillon Tate, former 1st Rd pick of the Rangers is on this team, was part of the Carlos Beltran trade with the Yankees back in 2016, and then the Zach Britton trade with the Orioles in 2018, was picked up on waivers by Toronto.
The Bisons come in at 17-26 and in eighth place in the IL-East. They are just off a 3-3 split with Worcester at home. They are 4-6 in their last 10, and on a 2-game win streak.
Buffalo Probables (Projected; Not Offical)
Tuesday: LHP Trenton Wallace 0-1, 4.76
Wednesday: Lazaro Estrada 1-3, 5.97
Thursday: LHP Easton Lucas 1-3, 5.48
Friday: RHP Adam Kloffenstein 0-0, 10.13
Saturday: RHP Anders Tollhurst 1-0, 6.65
Sunday: LHP Trenton Wallace
Will update with IronPigs Today column each game day. Rain may play a factor in how this series goes.
IronPigs Probables (Tue, Wed, Thu Officially)
Tuesday: RHP Alan Rangel (2-0, 5.66)
Wednesday: RHP Andrew Painter (1-0, 2.25)
Thursday: RHP Nabil Crismatt (4-2, 3.04)
Friday: RHP Kyle Tyler
Saturday: RHP Mick Abel
Sunday: RHP Alan Rangel
Weather (just me and an app)
Rain may be a factor this week. Today looks great, if a bit cool this morning. Wednesday sees rain starting at perhaps 6AM and continuing without much abatement through game time. Thursday 80% chance of rain in the morning, showers continuing into the afternoon. Friday rain should clear in time for the game(s). Saturday and Sunday look nice for the games–if a bit cool.
What’s Going On At The Park? Promotions This Week:
Tuesday: Education Day: 11:00AM first pitch
Wednesday:
- Tail-Waggin’ Day: Bring your dog to the park
- Tacos and Tall Boys: Tacos and 16oz domestics, specials in the plaza
- Allentown City Series: Salute To Allentown
- Phillie Phanatic Appearance
- Umbrella Giveaway from Morning Call (Adults)
Thursday:
- Twisted Thursday: Happy Hour drink specials from 5PM to 7PM
- Military Night: Patriotic salute to armed forces
Friday:
- Tomato Pie: Salute to Philadelphia Night
- St. Luke’s EMS Night, Ambulance Parade Pre-Game
- Post-Game Fireworks
Saturday: Post-game Fireworks, Pre-game dance performance on the field
Sunday: 6:35PM First Pitch
- Car Show 12PM – 3PM
- Cap giveaway sponsored by Nacci (Adults)
- Memorial Day observation
- Post-game Kids Run Bases
- Post-game Fireworks
Game Day!
Education Day game with 11AM First Pitch, 9:45AM East/Center Field Gates, 9:30AM Club
Pitching:
Trenton Wallace and Alan Rangel
Pigs Parlay (tail or fade, it’s all good)
18.5 H: OVER
12.5 R: OVER
14.5 K: OVER
HR: 3
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.