It’s the last week of games in the first half of the season. Spoiler: The IronPigs will not win the first half. This is our first look at the Red Sox affiliate this season. And, we’ve got two weeks of ‘Pigs games in a row coming up, with Syracuse in town next week to kick off the second half of the season.
Photo: Jack Mitroka
What We’ve Been Up To
When we last saw our hometown nine, they were closing out a home series versus Rochester to kick off the month of June. As usual this season versus the Nationals affiliate, it didn’t go well. It was a 2-4 week with one of the wins a 7-inning late-night job following the longest rain delay ever. But then, Rochester is currently your leader in the entire International League. Hopefully, they can falter this week and get replaced by a ‘West’ team like we did last season (thanks to them). Memphis is a half-game back, and Nashville is 1.5 back. They are your most likely contenders unless something unusual happens. We’ll check back next week.
Last week, the Bacon Bunch headed up the Pike to Moosic to face Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. They had a chance to win the series on Sunday, but faltered amid some fielding problems Saturday and pitching problems Sunday. Fielding problems as in “errors” not as in “Scranton has trouble maintaining their field.” So it was a 3-3 week, and 6-6 season series thus far.
Roster Moves
Moves during the Rochester series:
- RHP Nolan Hoffman returned from Phillies
- RHP John McMillon released
- RHP Daniel Harper sent to Reading
- 1B/LF Keaton Anthony activated (broken foot)
- RHP Bryse Wilson requests and is granted his release
- RHP Bryse Wilson signs another minor league contract and returns
- RHP Gabriel Barbosa joins the team from Single-A Jersey, for one day.
- RHP Zach Pop completes his rehab, gets DFA’d, elects free agency.
Moves during the Scranton series:
- C Caleb Ricketts sent to Reading
- 2B Liover Peguero place on 7-Day Injured List
- C Rene Pinto activated from Injured List
- OF Pedro Leon activated from Injured List and sent to Reading
- LHP Kyle Backhus joins from Phillies on Rehab Assignment
- RHP Mitch Neunborn promoted from Reading
- RF Gabriel Rincones Jr. promoted to Phillies to make his MLB debut
New moves this week:
- OF Steward Berroa returned from paternity leave and was optioned back to IronPigs
- We’ll await a move if Trea Turner needs an Injured List stint for his sore wrist (HBP). Cairo is on the 40. Kemp can stand at second while Stott moves over? Just speculation at this point.
Welcome Worcester
Worcester is 33-32, four places ahead of the IronPigs despite having just one more win. They are coming off a losing series versus Rochester because, of course. Like the IronPigs they are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Having just seen AA-Portland last week in Reading, it is an organization full of catchers. They have 5 on the Portland roster and 4 on Worcester. Only one of the 9 is injured as far as we can tell. They all play other positions, of course. As far as old friends, the only name that jumps out is RHP Devin Sweet, who pitched in 46 games for the IronPigs last season. As far as prospects, a bunch of them are in AA with Portland, although none of the hitters really impressed last week. INF Mickey Romero and RHP Tyler Uberstine are mid-level guys on Worcester, while OF Allan Castro and LHP Eduardo Rivera are honorable mentions. LHP Patrick Sandoval was with them on MLB Rehab last week. RHP Noah Song was in the Phillies organization for 10 minutes.
Pitching Probables
“Predicting pitching matchups in the minor leagues is a hazardous occupation.” – Kram
Tuesday: LHP Tucker Davidson (3-3, 6.50) vs RHP Jack Anderson (1-3, 4.39)
Wednesday: RHP Brian Keller (0-1, 3.38) vs LHP Eduardo Rivera (4-2, 3.20)
Thursday: RHP Bryse Wilson (3-5, 6.29) vs LHP Patrick Sandoval (0-1, 6.48)*
Friday: RHP Alan Rangel (3-4, 3.74) vs LHP Raymond Burgos (1-4, 7.66)
Saturday: RHP Chuck King (3-3, 4.02) vs RHP Brayan Bello (0-0, 4.50)
Sunday: RHP Drake Fellows (0-1, 5.82) vs TBA
*MLB Rehab. He’s already made four starts, so he may or may not be with the team this week.
[UPDATE: Will leave original above, but this is what came in the game notes today–Rangel and Keller possibly switched for how the Phillies want him lined up?
Tue: Davidson vs Anderson
Wed: Rangel vs TBD
Thu: Wilson vs. Burgos
Fri: Keller vs. Bello
Sat: King vs. TBD
At The Park This Week
Tuesday: Strike Out Cancer, Tail Waggin’ Day (bring the pup), NO dollar dogs any longer
Wednesday: Soccer Night, Cap Giveaway (Kids), Tacos & Tallboys
Thursday: Happy Hour 5-7PM, Duffle Bag Giveaway (Adults)
Friday: Scout Night, Juneteenth Observation, Fireworks
Saturday: Little League Night, Pre-Game Homerun Derby, Fireworks
Sunday: Father’s Day, Necktie Giveaway (Adults), Post-Game Kids and Dads Run Bases and Catch on Field
Philling The Need
Donations this week to benefit Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue:
Dog or Cat related items such as dry or canned food, toys, litter, blankets, treats or paper towels can be donated during games at collection points near both East and West entrances.
Weather
The forecast looks good for a nice week of games. Rain Wednesday should end before game time and scattered thunderstorms Thursday need to be watched. Not too hot.
What To Watch This Week
- Starting pitching: it’s been the bugaboo for the team since before the games started–see the season preview: we’ve known all along. This week some of the newer guys should be starting to settle in (Keller, Fellows) and get stretched out. Watch to see how they do.
- Watch the third Inning: To wit, some of the starter weakness shows up on the score card: The ‘Pigs are getting outscored in the third inning this season by a combined 81-34! Once the lineup turns over once, it’s batting practice!
- Watch OF/1B Felix Reyes: He may have cooled a bit, but he hit a homer on Sunday and is still batting .309 with a .968 OPS
- Watch 3B/LF Otto Kemp: He’s starting to heat up and get things going at the plate. The up and down with the Phillies kind of messed him up there for a bit.
- Watch 1B Keaton Anthony: He’s back and he’s hitting for some power with a .998 OPS. Does he get a shot in LF this week? Is that why they banished Pedro Leon to Reading?
- Watch Bryan De La Cruz: He’s been passed over for corner outfield help in Philadelphia several times this season. He hasn’t hit great, but he’s doing better with the warmer weather. Does he start mashing to prove something to Philadelphia? Or does he let it get to him?
See you at the park,
@Kram207