Over the years, there’s been a pattern of roster shifting that usually happens on or around June 1. There are several factors at work here: June 1 opt-out contracts at Triple-A, Players dramatically underperforming over two full months to open the season, and players who started the season at Double-A despite probably deserving to be at Triple-A, but got caught in a numbers crunch. This is usually the time for some roster turnover.
This season things have proceeded a bit differently. The IronPigs set out on a two-week southern road trip on May 27 and haven’t been home since. This week, they return for two straight home series to finish out the first half of the season. Combined with the road trip, we had a team in first place, trying to lock down the first-half championship, cruising along and having fun doing it. All was well. No need for a June 1 exodus in the middle of all that.
The IronPigs have had some adversity out on the road–although it hasn’t been a complete disaster. First there was the weather in Norfolk. But, much of that adversity has been caused by the parent Phillies foundering, and grasping for solutions. There have been some injuries on both levels, as well. Let’s take a look at the roster moves since the road trip began:
- 5/27: As the road trip began, the ‘Pigs were in need of a starter as RHP Nabil Crismatt was put on the 7-day Injured List (unknown). RHP Gabe Mosser was recalled from Reading. His Reading numbers were nothing to write home about, but he is a minor league veteran who started 26 games for Triple-A El Paso (Rangers) last season. He’s also a local kid, went to Parkland and then Shippensburg I believe. He’s a professional pitcher and he can keep you in games.
- 5/28: RHP Lucas Sims was added from the FCL Phillies. He is a veteran of 263 MLB games who started the season with the Nationals in Washington, pitching his way out of town to the tune of 13.86 ERA over 18 appearances. The Phillies picked him up off the heap, and had him in the lab in Clearwater for a week before sending him up. It’s the Phillies grasping at relief help, but also a motivated player with significant MLB experience trying to get back. He has an opportunity here, so I expect maximum effort which will help the IronPigs.
- 5/29: RHP Brett de Geus made the midnight run from Norfolk to Philadelphia as the extra player for the Phillies doubleheader against the Braves. It was a well-deserved call-up and he did get to pitch in the nightcap, but it was mostly in a mop-up role, giving up one run on one hit over two innings. He was then returned to the IronPigs.
- 5/29: INF/OF Matt Kroon sent to Hi-A Jersey Shore on a rehab assignment. He’s been in 6 games with 22 AB since. I’d look for him to get added to the IronPigs now that they are at home, as long as he’s healthy.
- 5/29: LHP Josh Walker assigned to IronPigs. The big lefty was claimed as a waiver/trade from Toronto for cash. He’s a veteran of 27 MLB games with Toronto and the Mets. It’s another Phillies grasping for relievers move, but it also adds another lefty to an IronPigs team with only Nick Vespi in that role. He’s had two appearances with the IronPigs so far, as of this writing, and a 0.00 ERA.
- 6/1: RHP Mick Abel and RHP Seth Johnson recalled to Phillies. The Phillies needed arms, as Taijuan Walker headed to the bullpen for good, Aaron Nola continues to nurse the worst twisted ankle in the history of ankles, and Zack Wheeler’s wife has been in labor for a week and a half. Some of these are jokes. Mick did great. Again. Seth got to try his new relief-stuff approach on big league hitters–he got in a game and gave up a run.
- 6/6: RHP Alan Rangel called up to Phillies; RHP Seth Johnson returns to IronPigs. Roster stuff to give the Phillies some length for a bullpen game in Pittsburgh. See reasons jokingly listed above. Not much of an opportunity for Johnson, like de Geus.
- 6/7: (Bunch of moves this date. Is this the June Moves but on the road?)
- 6/7: RHP Alan Rangel returns, as RHP Daniel Robert gets called to the Phillies. Seth Johnson can’t return because he has to be down for the required time. I’m not sure that rule applies for “extra man” recalls, but I probably would have given de Geus another look if eligible. Rangel pitched and gave up some runs, as he does.
- 6/7: INF Otto Kemp called up to Phillies. This is the big one. Certainly earned and deserved. But, it’s also the IronPigs losing a potential league MVP candidate in the lineup. Good luck to him, of course. He went hitless in his debut in Pittsburgh but will get more opportunities with Harper on the shelf with a wrist, of unknown severity. It’s his first time on the 40-man, of course, so he’ll have options should the Phillies get healthy or acquire other players and need to send him back. Like Weston Wilson, who is struggling with the big club right now, Otto will always be welcome at Coca Cola Park.
- 6/7: RHP Nabil Crismatt activated from Injured List. Good to see him return. He didn’t pitch great in his return, but if he’s healthy he should return to “Crizzler” form soon enough.
- 6/7: INF Christian Arroyo added to 7-day Injured List. He was DH the night before and left the game. Perhaps re-aggravating his hamstring(?), but that’s pure speculation. It hurts losing both Kemp and Arroyo at the same time.
- 6/7: INF Luis Verdugo added from AA-Reading. He’s from Mexico and will be making his Triple-A debut. He was with AA-Tennessee last season and was hitting .153/.241/.258 with Reading so far this season. Primarily a 3B.
- 6/7: C Yhoan Escalona activated from Development List. Still not sure what the 19-yo is doing here at Triple-A. Perhaps to learn 3B? Perhaps to carry bags for Garrett Stubbs while learning at his side? He’s an extra catcher to have around at the very least, and perhaps we’ll see him move on to Jersey Shore now that we’re back home.
What’s Next
We’ll normally see a flurry of moves announced on a Tuesday, especially when the team is coming off the road. Perhaps the 6/7 changes above will take some of the thunder for that this week–but stay tuned in the IronPigs Today column for the daily roster moves as this home stand begins with Worcester arriving in town.
Predictions: Oh, the crystal ball has been unwrapped and what do I see in there? I see Matt Kroon getting activated. Could he return to 3B? I see a rehab appearance by RHP Aaron Nola at some point. It’s hazy, but I see 1B Keaton Anthony from Reading, as a possibility at 1B, with Kemp and Arroyo unavailable and Kennedy a better option at 3B than Verdugo. Anthony went to Iowa and just hits. His line at Reading is .329/.382/.532 this season. I can quibble about more walks and better power numbers, but a .532 slug is nothing to sneeze at and a .914 OPS will play. Oh, and he’s also been a gold-glove 1B in his professional career. Literally. I see OF Justin Crawford at full health (quad strain) and forcing the Phillies to make some outfield decisions, even if I might not fully agree with it. Finally, while I don’t see any pictures showing up in the crystal ball here at the end, I do hear something. Is that…Wil Crowe‘s music? The former 2nd round pick of Washington has MLB time with the Nationals and Pirates. He pitched in Korea last season and currently has a 1.50 ERA with Reading. I hate to steal their pitchers but if we need a guy? Oh, and one thing I don’t see is Mick Able coming back here any time soon.
UPDATE: Nola has been shut down from throwing because he, reportedly, pulled an oblique from coughing? Anyway, don’t count on a rehab this week. Maybe next? Kroon is back. As is Breaux for some 1B help so pause on Keaton Anthony. DeMartini to Reading and Verdugo back to Reading means they can spare an infielder, though, so we’ll see.
Disclaimer: Crystal Balls are not 100% accurate.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Jack Mitroka, even though he probably doesn’t read down this far.