It’s been a long two weeks since we rock’n rolled.
When the IronPigs left town following the Buffalo series, they had a 5.0 games lead for the International League first-half crown–and the home playoff games that come with it! The headed south for a series in Norfolk. Fortunately, the rain put up more of a battle than the beleaguered Tides. There was concern that multiple double-headers of the 7-inning variety could cause enough chaos for the ‘Pigs to slip a bit, but alas, the Tides don’t like chaos either and the ‘Pigs left with five of the six wins.
On to Charlotte, where the Phillies struggles began to impact the IronPigs. Multiple call-ups and shufflings started to take their toll, and the ‘Pigs dropped their first series of the season, 2-4 in North Carolina, including a three-game losing streak to close the series. While the Phillies meddlesomeness was significant (see below for roster moves–on the road no less) the three games dropped also coincided with Justin Crawford on the shelf for a quad pull (or a hamstring or a thigh contusion, the reporting is all over the place but most reliably I’ve heard quad strain). He’s not on the injured list, so we cling to that for now. Still, the first losing series of the season didn’t come at a great time. But a 7-5 trip isn’t something that will allow any team to gain much ground.
Pigs are home for two weeks and ready for some home cookin’ in whatever form that takes.
Photo: Jack Mitroka
“Dont’ talk about…..You kiddin’ me….I just hope we can win a game.”
The IronPigs return home with a 4.5 games lead over Nashville (AAA-MIL), so a net -0.5 change since they left town. The three-game swoon paired with a 3 games win streak for the Triple-A Brew Crew.
The IronPigs ‘Magic Number’ by Kram Kalculations™ remains at 8.0. That’s the total of Pigs wins plus Nashville losses that would clinch the first half for the IronPigs.
Nashville spends this week in Norfolk versus the lowly Tides, then returns home to face a talented Iowa team. Meanwhile, the Pigs have a resurgent Red Sox affiliate this week, who just lost their best position player, followed by the last-place Red Wings who’s sudden spate of quality play has subsided. Both at home. Jacksonville is the next closest team, and they spend the two weeks on the road versus Rochester and Syracuse. Their “Tragic Number” is 7.0, I believe.
Disclaimer: Kram Kalculations™ have proven faulty in the past. Quote at your own risk.
Oh, The Roster Moves:
Certainly it has been two weeks, but there were still more moves than one might expect during a road trip. So, it meant a whole piece about it from Sunday: HERE
Moves since Sunday Morning:
Printable Roster:
Additional Tuesday moves will be updated in IronPigs Today column tomorrow.
Worcester. Again.
Big note from above, OF Roman Anthony has been recalled to Boston. He was their top prospect, a Pig Killer from last season, and on some lists the #1 prospect in all of baseball. Just hit a 500-ft homer last week. We don’t need to see that here this week. LHP Chris Murphy joins them on a rehab assignment. He has started in the minors before, but has only 4.0 innings in 4 games during the Double-A phase of his rehab. We may see him as an opener, though. They’ve had a couple other recalls and promotions from New Hampshire as well. 3B Blaze Jordan, one of their other top prospects, is with this team since their last visit. He killed Reading and is raking already with Worcester, so use caution pitching to that cat. Finally, they also have a player named Jhostynxon so use that if you’re playing hangman with player names this week.
What’s Going On At The Park This Week:
We’re still doing the 6:45PM start times during the week.
Tuesday:
- Tail-Waggin’ Tuesday: Bring Your Pup
- Dollar Dogs: $1.06 Hot Dogs all night
- Youth Cap Giveaway: Coquis 2025
- Coquis Night
- Weather: Morning showers clearing in the afternoon. 74° partly sunny at game time.
Wednesday:
- Tacos & Tallboys: Plaza taco and beer specials
- Strike Out Cancer Night
- Pregame Dance Performances
- Pregame Check Presentation
- Weather: High 82° sun
Thursday:
- Twisted Thursday Happy Hour: Drink specials from 5PM to 7PM
- Beach Tote Giveaway
- Weather: High 87° sun
Friday: 7PM Start
- Faith Night (postgame player testimonial)
- Malmo Oat Milkers Jerseys
- Faith-based Rock Band Pre-Game in plaza
- Postgame Fireworks
- Weather: High 81° with 24% chance of rain
Saturday: 6:35PM Start
- Lehigh Valley Traffic Night: Salute To Traffic
- Jersey Auction?
- Postgame Fireworks
- Weather: 68° with 50% rain
Sunday: 1:35PM Start
- Father’s Day Celebration, Post-game catch on the field
- Post-game kids run bases
- Tumbler Giveaway (Men)
- Weather: 71° and cloudy, with showers post-game
Pitching Probables
Will update, but early information has the IronPigs starting Painter on Tuesday and Sunday in this series. Remember that the ‘Pigs are down a couple starters with Abel in the big leagues and Tyler having been DFA’d for his 40-man spot. Perhaps Tyler could be back but likely not in time to start on the weekend.
Early IronPigs Projected Probables:
Tue: Painter
Wed: Rangel
Thu: Mosser
Fri: Crismatt
Sat: [Bullpen]
Worcester Projected Probables:
Tue: RHP Van Belle (Nope. Called Up.)
Wed: RHP Coffey (second AAA start)
Thu: TBA
…
See you at the park,
@Kram207