It’s the last six games of the 2025 IronPigs campaign. We’re at home for the Syracuse Mets. Here’s what you need to know if you’re coming out to the park this week:
Good Night Moosic
The Ironpigs return from the final road trip, right up the road in the Scranton area, and return with some hardware! The 2025 IronRail Trophy is home where it belongs as the ‘Pigs took down the RailRiders in 2025 to the tune of 11-10. It took a 4-2 series win in the penultimate series of the season, to get it done.
Standings Stuff
It appears the IronPigs are still mathematically alive for the second-half title and a berth in the playoff series in Jacksonville next week. The ‘Pigs are in fifth place, 5.5 games behind leader Scranton. The Smets are also in the mix, 3.0 games back, currently in second place. The other two teams who would have to start some major losing this week are Toledo and Indianapolis. Thankfully, they don’t play each other. More likely, the Pigs lose tonight or someone wins, and we’re eliminated. By my calculations, the “tragic number” is 1.0–but then we’ve been wrong about that stuff around here, earlier this season.
End Of The Season Stuff
This is it for 2025. Do you have any thoughts about next season? What could be better around here? Here’s our SUGGESTION BOX following the 2025 season for the IronPigs.
Roster Update
- OF Justin Crawford is officially on the injured list now, battling a concussion and some broken teeth following his collision with Otto Kemp during the last home series. We’re not necessarily looking for him to return this series, but we want to send out official well-wishes on his recovery and his offseason. He could be in line to challenge for a spot in Philadelphia in the Spring, so it’s not out of the question that we’ve seen the last of him in Allentown. You never know, of course.
- Injuries in Philadelphia led to a couple IronPigs moves: INF/OF Otto Kemp was recalled to Philadelphia, and INF Donovan Walton had his contract selected, both to replace the left side of the Philly infield.
- LHP Andrew Walling and RHP Tommy McCollum were called up from Reading. Walling, a free agent signing out of Mississippi State following the 2022 draft, appeared in 37 games for Reading this season posting 3-5, 4.10 in a relief role. Similarly, McCollum signed as a free agent following the 2021 draft, out of Wingate College in North Carolina. Also a reliever with 37 appearances, he’s posted 0-3, 3.20 this season in Reading. Both were also with Reading last season for a time, and both have made their Triple-A debut on the road this past week.
- SS Aidan Miller called up from Reading. No matter which list you look at, this guy is a top-three prospect in the Phillies’ system. He’s a former first rounder out of high school in Florida. He just turned 21 this season. There were some struggles earlier this season at Double-A, but he has really turned it on since the trade deadline. Speculation around here is that the combination of the reps at the level plus the confidence that he wasn’t going to be traded allowed him to really settle in. He has been a terror on the base paths leading the Eastern League in stolen bases at the time of his promotion–and continuing that feature since arriving at Triple-A last week! His numbers last week in five games with the ‘Pigs, .294/.478/.412 in the super-small sample.
- ADDITIONAL MOVES: Check back here for pre-series updates. If not, check tomorrow’s column.
Syracuse Stuff
We’re not expecting many reinforcements from Double-A Binghamton this week, because they’ll be playing playoff games versus Somerset (AA-NYY). Perhaps on the weekend. But by way of prospects, look for 2024 first-rounder OF Carson Benge, who is the #1 prospect in their system. #2 is here as well, 2022 first rounder INF/OF Jett Williams. Other prospects include 1B Ryan Clifford, and RHP Jonathan Pintaro. RHPs Ross and Orellana are on some lists. As of this writing, RHP Tylor Megill is with the Smets on MLB rehab. Old friend RHP Chris Devenski appeared with the Pigs for 9 games back in 2022. RHP Kodai Senga is a name you might recognize from the MLB team. Former IronPigs MVP Joey Meneses is currently on the Injured List. Super-cool former IronPigs catcher JP Arencibia is the bench coach #9.
Rotations
Things might be kind of wonky this week as both teams wind down and as Double-A season may or may not be over for each team. Check back for updates, or look for a ‘probables’ list in tomorrow’s column.
[UPDATE]:
Early probables listed for IronPigs:
Tuesday: RHP Alan Rangel
Wednesday: RHP Andrew Painter
Thursday: RHP Griff McGarry (!!)
What’s Going On At The Park This Week?
Today: Dollar Dog Night; Haunt Night
Wednesday: Tail-Waggin’ bring your pup to the park; tacos and tallboys; Youth Cap Giveaway; Little League Parade Honors
Thursday: Twisted Thursday Happy Hour; Ribbie Bobble Figurine Givewaway (Adults)
Friday: Jolly Hogger Flag Giveaway (Adults); Nazareth Clippers Youth Sports Night; Postgame Fireworks
Saturday: Jeep Night; Iron Duckie Giveaway (again?); postgame fireworks
Sunday: 1:05PM special start time; Wall Calendar Giveway; Pregame Performances on the field; Post-game kids run bases.
Weather Overview
Wednesday looks like the only day with weather risk this week, as of now. It will get warmer on Thursday and Friday and things will cool off as the sun goes down this week, so bring a sweatshirt, just in case.
Ticket Update
Tickets should be widely available for this week’s games except Saturday, which may sell out. Buy or sell for Saturday as needed.
GAME DAY!
6:45PM start time, with gates at 5:30PM (Main) and 5:15PM (Club)
Tickets widely available
Weather: 73 and partly cloudy at game time, 65 by the end of the game
Promotion: Dollar Dogs; Haunt Night (see team site and email for rules concerning costumes and accessories allowed)
Remember tomorrow is doggo night as they don’t always blend well with “haunt.”
Pitching:
IronPigs: RHP Alan Rangel (5-3, 4.47)
Mets: TBD
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image of Walker Beuhler by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.