The IronPigs go for an opening-series sweep today at Coca Cola Park under sunny skies and (checks notes) somewhat less than 75 degree weather. But, it might be the nicest weather of the season thus far.
Wheeler was great yesterday. He admitted he didn’t have his good stuff with the breaking pitches–how could you when you can’t feel your hands and the ball is like a pool cue ball? But he’s a pro and a veteran and he powered through without much difficulty. He wasn’t amused by the whole rib-related promotions, but then kind of realized that he’s so far above Minor League Baseball that it really doesn’t matter. Good for him. Gotta wonder if the third start, planned for Reading, is throwing them a bone or taking it away from the IronPigs.
So that’s the schedule that’s been put out there: He’s pitch again for the IronPigs on Friday in Durham. He’ll train in Philly in between and parachute in for the game. Then, his third start will be in Reading the following week–their schedule overlaps with IronPigs that week–on probably Wednesday 4/8 or Thursday 4/9. They mentioned a fourth start, but we kinda doubt he’ll need it at this point. He sat 92-93 with the fastball yesterday with minimal effort in the freezing cold. Considering that’s like his second start of Spring Training and the control was so good? There are no worries around here.
Orion Kerkering pitched a quick inning in relief–also on rehab. He debuted his new splitter to little success but got through his inning unscathed. Unlike Wheeler Kerk is with us for the whole rehab experience. We’ve been told he’ll travel to Durham and get another inning or two. Then, when he’s good to do a back-to-back he’ll be ready to be activated to the Phillies.
Garrett Stubbs should return today, after passing through waivers and accepting his assignment. His contract was designed just so that this would happen. Expect a roster move prior to the game, perhaps someone will join the nascent Reading roster or be placed on the Development List. He’s a great veteran presence, and of course there’s the ‘vibes’ stuff. The lineup is still kind of anemic, though. No one is helpless and they’re all settling in, so not throwing darts at anyone. It’s the pitching so far–even discounting the four innings we got from MLB guys yesterday–that’s been the reason for early success. We’ve got a bunch of veteran, accomplished MLB-experienced relievers at the ready. One will falter at some point, but if we can get good enough starts then we should still be able to win some games.
Enter RHP Ryan Cusick. He’s a former first rounder from Atlanta who was quickly shipped off to Oakland to advance through their system. Last season, following a DFA from Oakland/Vegas, he ended up with the Detroit organization and these very Mud Hens, appeared in one game and got DFA’d again. He was picked up by the White Sox and sent to Charlotte. He did not appear for Charlotte or the White Sox, still had an option, but was still sent off to DFA limbo. Enter the Phillies. They wanted him to work on some things so they put him in the lab in Clearwater for a bit. Then, he was with the IronPigs where he made 19 appearances including four starts. Overall it was 27 innings, 34 Hits, 35 Strikeouts and 13 Walks. We are assuming they told Cusick over the offseason, as some point, that they saw him mostly as a starter or long-man, so that is how he has prepared. But that is a bunch of assumptions, too. It will be interesting to see how long he goes today and what he looks like.
The opposing starter is RHP Keider Montero, a Venezuelan native. He had 10 outings and 8 starts with Toledo last season, as well as 20 appearances and 12 starts for Detroit. Look for high-velocity and high-spin today, with low control. Patience might be key for ‘Pigs hitters.
Game Time is 1:15 PM
Gates at 12:00 (Main) and 11:45 (Club/Suites)
Good seats still available.
Weather: 51 degrees and sunny at game time, with temperature increasing during the game. Still kinda breezy though.
Promotions: Tail Waggin’ Day–bring the pup, and post-game kids run bases.
What’s Next?
The ‘Pigs head to Durham, NC for a standard six-game series. Around here, you can go to Reading on Tuesday at 5:00PM for a scrimmage between AA Reading and Hi-A Jersey Shore. It’s a good look at those rosters and lineups and the weather looks to be tremendous. Next weekend is a home/home with the Penguins over on the hockey side. They are up in Scranton this afternoon, and then back there on Friday before a home rematch Saturday night for Star Wars Night. Reading baseball will be in Akron Thursday through Saturday to open up–their Media Day is Tuesday I believe. They’ll be off Easter Sunday and open at home Tuesday April 7 vs Hartford, overlap with the next home IronPigs series versus Rochester.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.
Be First to Comment