Felix Reyes and Aidan Miller each homer in their Coca Cola Park debut and the Double-A guys start arriving. Alas, it doesn’t end well.
About Last Night
Despite the homers, the IronPigs fell in last night’s game against the Mets’ affiliate. The loss mathematically eliminates them from any post-season hopes they may have had. Rangel pitched a solid game, but allowed a run on a balk early, and a home run a little later. In addition to the two solo homers, the Pigs added another on an RBI single by Reyes, but it wasn’t enough as the final was 4-3. It was a nice night at the park for around 8,000 as it wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too haunt-y.
Playoff Watch
We’re out.
Syracuse remains 3.0 games back of Scranton for the second-half title, and a berth in the playoff series to be hosted by Jacksonville. Toledo and Indy are also in the mix.
Roster Update
INF Rafael Lantigua got the call to the Phillies as they required infield depth with the recent injury to Sosa. Why not Castro? Could have been, I guess, but perhaps there’s an option angle as the Phillies look to preserve their depth in advance of a playoff run. Bohm could return as soon as Friday for them–he’s on the road trip–and it sounds like they’re happy with Donovan Walton. I believe this is Lantigua’s first call-up. He does deserve it; all season we’ve been pointing out in this column that he just plays the game the right way and is always helping his team.
INF Erick Brito returned from Reading as additional infield depth for the IronPigs.
The 40-man spot for Lantigua comes via DFA of OF Brewer Hicklen, which is a shame because that guy was adding a homer every couple games. Alas, with their other outfielders including Rojas, the Phillies probably feel like they have enough outfield depth going forward.
Additional moves are coming, as we already know RHP Griff McGarry is set to start Thursday (see below).
Syracuse
C Luis Torrens was added on MLB rehab in advance of last night’s game.
RHP Yacksel Rios was sent to Brooklyn on rehab (and to support their playoff effort).
RHP Joander Suarez was sent to Binghamton to support their playoff effort.
Pitching Probables
Wednesday: RHP Andrew Painter (5-5, 5.35) vs. LHP Brandon Waddell (3-9, 5.05)
Thursday: RHP Griff McGarry (2025 AAA Debut) vs. RHP Kodai Senga (1-0, 1.50)
Friday: RHP Mitch Neunborn (0-4, 8.10) vs. RHP Joander Suarez (now with Binghamton, stay tuned)
Saturday: RHP Gabe Mosser (4-5, 5.35) vs. RHP Justin Hagenman (2-4, 6.02)
Sunday: TBA, Rangel vs Pintaro rematch, or bullpen possible for each team
Resources
As per usual, the Tuesday Column contains a full preview of the weekly series. It’s worth a look if you didn’t see it yesterday.
As we wind down the season, we put up a Suggestion Box to get some ideas out there for next season. I’ve already heard that that column has been seen by the team. If you have any ideas for them, get them out there via the comment section. There’s some good ones in there already that I didn’t think of.
GAME DAY!
Game time is 6:45PM. Main gates at 5:30PM. Club gates at 5:15PM.
Tickets are readily available.
Promotions:
- Tail waggin’ day! Bring your doggo. It got moved to Wednesday to accommodate the haunt.
- Tacos and tallboys, as per Wednesdays.
- Video Game Night
- Youth Cap Giveaway (kids)
Weather: Passing showers and thunderstorms are possible before game time. Chance of rain at game time is only 24%. It will be in the mid-60s.
Pitching:
IronPigs: RHP and top prospect Andrew Painter will head to the mound for what is almost certainly his last start of the season. Despite the somewhat disappointing nature of this season for him, his command will likely return and he may very well challenge for a spot in the MLB rotation in the Spring, following a full off-season of training. There’s a scenario where this is his last IronPigs start.
Mets: LHP Brandon Waddell has MLB time with several teams, and came up in the Pirates system after having been drafted by them. He has made 11 appearances for the Mets this season.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.