They’re called the “Wind Surge” but the wind was blowing out, out there in Omaha as the IronPigs slugged their way to a 4-1 series win against the Royals affiliate. The Sunday game got cancelled and the fellas came home early (?). The Pitching is suffering from some attrition and we’re once again playing the game of “Where in the world is Justin Crawford.”
[Going with no photos today as our thoughts are with Jack, who is recovering–thankfully–from witnessing an unfortunate game of motorcycle versus deer.]
IronPigs Slug: Piggies slugged 14 HR in 5 games in the Omaha series. Rincones Jr. and Crawford among those with the hot bats.
Crawford MIA: Crawford missing from the lineup without explanation on Friday and Saturday prior to Sunday’s cancellation. He appeared to play the whole game on Thursday as far as we could tell.
UPDATE: Crawford back in the lineup Tuesday night.
Pitching Attrition: Painter, Rangel, and Medina are our full-time starters right now. Neunborn might be in the rotation rather than a spot-starter at this point. Wil Crowe was sent packing from the organization. Mosser is on the Dev List. There are some new guys around. Stay tuned.
Standings Update
On the back of a 9-1, 10-game clip, the IronPigs have risen to third place in the International League East–5th place overall. Some of the teams above them are our next opponents, Toledo, Scranton, Syracuse. So we’re saying there’s a chance? But it’s not likely and who really wants to go to Jacksonville? We will admit that printing “International League Champions” on every single promotional item next season would be a lot of fun.
Look, this organization may poo-poo the winning and losing, but everyone likes a winner. It creates a buzz in the community. For an example of how this works in minor league sports, look at the Hershey Bears over on the hockey side. They pack that Giant arena every game because people like to see a winner.
Roster Update
- RHP Gabe Mosser to the Dev List; 1B/C Josh Breaux activated
- RHP Daniel Robert and RHP Lou Trivino to the Phillies. Romano to the Injured List. Ross released.
- 3B/1B Luis Verdugo to the Dev List
- C Paul MacIntosh promoted from AA Reading
- RHP Walker Beuhler signed to a minor league contract and assigned to the IronPigs
- RHP Guillo Zuñiga released
- C Garrett Stubbs promoted to Phillies as rosters expand
- LHP Tim Mayza (Millersville Alum) claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh and assigned to Philadelphia as rosters expand.
- PSAC Update: Mosser = Shippensburg, Mayza = Millersville, Lou Trivino = Slippery Rock, Where my IUP guys at?
- Colombians Count: One. With Crismatt gone and now Zuniga, only Oscar Mercado remains.
Toledo Update:
Pigs = Bacon; Hens = Eggs. Hens make a contribution while Pigs make a commitment!
The Mud Hens are 35-22 and in first place in the International League West. They come in on a 3-game winning streak as they split a home series with St Paul (AAA-MIN). Toledo is the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the promotion spot for the Double-A Erie Seawolves.
It appears they arrive with two prospects, #7 prospect 2B/3B Hao-Yu Lee, who was traded from the Phillies in the Michael Lorenzen deal at the deadline in 2023. They also have #10 prospect, 2B/3B Max Anderson, who was a second round pick out of Nebraska. He’s 23yo and raked with Erie during the first half of this season.
In the “old friends” category they have RHP Matt Seelinger, who pitched in two games for the Pigs back in 2022 and 21 games for Reading in 2023. C Tomas Nido is a “Pig Killer” IIRC. INF Kevin Newman is a former first-round pick of the Pirates, and Arizona teammate of one Scott Kingery. At last check, OF Parker Meadows was on MLB rehab with Toledo. Home Run King and former nemesis Mike Hessman is the hitting coach.
Other Posts of Interest
What are your thoughts on Fan Appreciation Days?
The Phantoms Promotional Schedule is out, for the 2025-26 season upcoming.
The IronPigs 2026 home schedule is out–dates and opponents, times and promos come later.
The Pigs are doing ILLUMINATIONS again this winter. They’re adding some stuff!
Ahh, The Pitching
I suppose it will all make sense when everything washes out. Mosser will come off the development list. Neunborn may or may not make a start. We’ll await news on Walker Beuhler, but he may be just parked on our roster until it’s his turn to start in Philadelphia as their sixth starter–perhaps as soon as this Friday against Kansas City. So we’re not counting on him actually pitching for us, but who knows, one source says he will. He could get a warm-up outing while he’s here. We also have an eye on Reading, where the good version of RHP Griff McGarry pitched this past week at home, and reclamation project, former first-rounder for The Detroit Tigers, RHP Matt Manning, could arrive from Reading where he started on Sunday.
UPDATE: Published probables:
At The Park This Week
Tuesday:
- Tail-Waggin Tuesday: Bring Your Pup to the Park
- Pupper Adoption Day: Dogs available for adoption
- Dog bandana giveaway (Adults)
- Dollar Dogs: Hot Dogs for $1.06
- 10-Millionth Fan: Will win some prizes. Bet the fan won’t enter through the West Gate. It would be funny if the 10-Millionth Fan was a doggo!
Wednesday:
- Mamajuana Night: Dominican Heritage Night
- Tacos and Tallboys: Weekly Promotion
- Phillie Phanatic Appearance
Thursday: Twisted Thursday Happy Hour: Drink specials from 5-7PM; Military Night
Friday:
- Duck Night
- Rubber Duck Giveaway (Adults)
- “Chuck A Duck”
- Benefits Reilly Children’s Hospital
- Post-game Fireworks
Saturday:
- Cornhole Night: Pregame Tournament?
- Taking the field as the “Cornholers” presumably jersey auction and hat raffle
- Koozie Giveaway (Adults)
- Post-game Fireworks
Sunday:
- “Hey, Isn’t There Football On?” Day
- Garrett Stubbs “Gobblehead” giveaway (Adults)
- Post-game kids run the bases
Game Day!
6:45PM start. 5:30PM Gates; 5:15PM Club and Suites
Tickets: Very Widely Available
Weather: 73° and sunny at game time; bring a sweatshirt
Promotions: Bring your doggo; Have dollar dogs; Adopt a new doggo; grab a bandana. Arrive between 5:45 and 6:00 and enter through East or Center Field Gate to have a chance at being #10,000,000.
Pitching: TBD
Looking Ahead
Pigs head up to Moosic next week to take on the hated yankees affiliate. The following week they’ll close things out here at home with a visit from the Smets. There’s a youth cap, a Ribbie bobblehead to start a series, a flag giveaway, more on ducks for some reason, and a calendar giveaway.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured image by me, and my iPhone.