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“Desperado
Sitting in a old Monte Carlo
A man whose heart is hollow, uh
Take it easy”

-Rihanna

The End of the RailRiders

I never loved the name.  We thought “Trolley Frogs” was a slam dunk, back in the day.  But, now they’ll be re-branding in the Fall.  Of course, we have thoughts:

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a mouthful.  They need to connect with the Northeast Pennsylvania region, really.  And, Scranton has a famous nickname:  The Electric City.  Much like the Trash Pandas play in Madison, Alabama, a suburb of Huntsville, the Yankees affiliate plays in Moosic, really.

Now, the Trash Pandas are really raccoons.  But the cute nickname makes it.  What are the three most common wild animals in Northeast Pennsylvania?  First, white-tail deer.  Really no cute nicknames and kinda dangerous to mess with in person or on the road.  Second, black bear.  There’s already a ton of teams across the professional sports landscape with bear or bear-like monikers.  This includes one in particular from Hershey.  Not gonna work for Scranton.  Number three:  coyotes.  Nicknames?  Song Dogs.  Because of the howling and such.  Everybody loves dogs.  Electric City Song Dogs.  Mark it down.

That’s almost certainly not it.  But, it might be better.  Anyway, before this all ends in the fall, remind me to tell the story that led to the “Rail Lickers” derogatory moniker you might catch me using from time to time.

So Far

The Pigs mounted a ninth inning comeback to take the opener on Tuesday.  Chuck King had a quality start.  The RailRiders sent out a reliever to close it down, and that guy couldn’t throw strikes. Walks will kill you.  Or Gabriel Rincones if you throw him a meatball.  As Sam said, “They had that dog in them.”

The Wednesday game was a good old-fashioned butt kicking by the IronPigs.  A Paul McIntosh (walk-up song above) grand slam in the first was a big part of it.  Was the 7-run first the most runs ever in a first inning by a Pigs team?  We haven’d looked it up in the media book yet.  Some were saying the RailRiders should just change their name now.  Of course, it looked like the IronPigs were going to allow them back in the game–until Keaton Anthony said that they couldn’t via a three-run job.  Volpe blowing both of his team’s challenges within the first six pitches of the game was high comedy.

Thursday the Pigs bats fell silent, and the Yankees affiliate was able to steal a game–cheered on by Yankees fans wearing IronPigs shirts.  Perhaps the RailRiders do have a marketing problem.  Props to Ryan Cusick and Tucker Davidson in a functional bullpen game, for keeping things within reach.

Roster Notes

OF Colby Thomas has been fun.  He came over in the Seth Johnson trade from the team formerly located in Oakland.  He walks up to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.  Tuesday night the Ops staff had the song cranked so loud the club level speakers were distorted and the PA announcer was unintelligible.  They’ve toned it down a bit the last two nights, but it’s fun for sure.

Transactions

• RHP Brandon Beckel assigned to Jersey Shore.  He was called up due to an extreme pitching shortage for the Pigs with arms coming and going from Philadelphia.  
• RHP Alex McFarlane called up to Phillies.  This should be for good, now.  In his second MLB outing, he was criticized for not holding a runner on first–as well as walking that runner.  These are the kind of things he needs to work on if he’s going to be part of the playoff roster (should we be so fortunate) in Philadelphia.  
• RHP Alan Rangel optioned to IronPigs.  He could be nearing his “up-and-down” limit for the season.  But he’s been a necessary asset for Phillies pitching depth.  He’s not listed as an IronPigs probable yet, but could be in line for the Saturday start.  Reportedly, the Phillies received calls at the deadline about trading for Alan.  Option-able starters are really valuable and it’s no just the Phillies who lack that depth. 
• RHP Daniel Harper to the full-season injured list.
• CF Kameron Misner called up to Phillies as 27th Man for Field of Dreams game.  This was telegraphed when he wasn’t in the lineup on Wednesday.  We’ll see when he makes it back to the IronPigs lineup.  
• C Rafael Marchan added for MLB Rehab.  A Rehabilitation assignment for a position player can last up to 20 days, so the math works out for him to perhaps stay with us until the MLB rosters expand on September 1st. He looked good out there last night.
• INF Christian Cairo activated from Injured List.  Good to have him back.  

It’s The Weekend, You Guys

Friday we have Pirate Night.  There’s a ship in the plaza.  It doesn’t look seaworthy, but surely fun to climb on.  A few beers in, I may have to go down there and say, “Look at me.  I’m the captain now.”  Fireworks tonight, of course.  And Boy Scouts (no campfires!)

Saturday will be Golf Night.  Metal cup giveaway for adults.  Fireworks.

Sunday is Football Day.  Wear your favorite football jersey and you’ll get a mini football giveaway (adults).  The Eagles Drumline will make an appearance.  Post-Game Kids run bases, as per usual.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

The IronPigs return from Worcester following a miracle comeback win on Sunday to prevent a five-game losing streak.  The four losses last week included a 19-0 pasting on Saturday.  It was the largest margin of defeat in IronPigs history, surpassing the four touchdowns they gave up to Durham last season in a 28-10 beat-down.  Scranton is in town this week.  Here’s what you need to know for this series:

There’s Always Next Year

The schedule came out.  I got my bill.  For next season.  Both on the same day.  There’s gonna be baseball, I’m pretty sure, but there are the issues with the schedule:  HERE

Then again, maybe I won’t send them a bolus of money right away…

No Favors From Above

The trade deadline is always a chaotic time in the baseball season, but as the parent Phillies seem to be flailing desperately to win games and stay in the playoff race.  Much of that turmoil flows downhill impacting the IronPigs.  That will likely continue as the Phillies head out on the road this week to St Louis and Minnesota by way of Dyersville, Iowa.  If you were making plans to attend playoffs in Memphis you can likely table those, as the IronPigs are closer to the bottom than the top in the standings.  Who’s in first?  Stay tuned.

Who’s Hot

• OF Felix Reyes always seems to swing a big bat on the road.
• OF Gabriel Rincones Jr hit a home run Sunday, his first of the season for the Pigs
• RHP Alex McFarlane might be a Phillie by the time you read this
• RHP Alan Rangel won a “player of the week” honor before they started driving him around the Eastern Seaboard.
• C Paul McIntosh’s average is up to .271 and his OPS is up to .796
• OF Tommy Pham is up to 6 HRs while UTIL Dalton Moore is up to 12 doubles
• Noted power hitter Ronald Moore is up to 11 HRs and 13 Doubles this season.  His most HRs ever was 9–in a whole season at READING

Who’s Not

• Rincones got off the schnide with the HR on Sunday, but is hitting just .218 in Triple-A
• C Payton Henry is hitting just .207 with a .586 OPS
• Starting pitching:  Allard is on the full-season IL, Keller couldn’t get out of the first.  Fellows took a loss this week. King as well.

caveat:  some of the starting pitching difficulty has come in the later innings of the starts. It very well could be, they are left in to fend for themselves because the bullpen has been in some disarray–due to calls up and down from the big leagues as well as some trades and such.

Transactions, Oldest to Newest since last home-stand

• OF Steward Berroa outright to IronPigs following DFA
• RHP Mitch Neunborn activated from the 7-day IL
• RF Colby Thomas assigned to IronPigs following trade from A’s, for Seth Johnson
• RHP Nolan Hoffman traded to Royals
• RF Gabe Rincones Jr optioned from Philadelphia
• LHP Kyle Backhus optioned from Philadelphia
• INF Liover Peguero released
• C Mark Kolozsvary on rehab with Jersey Shore
• RHP Lou Trivino III outright to IronPigs following DFA
• INF Christian Cairo to 7-day Injured List
• C Payton Henry outright to IronPigs following DFA
• C Jordan Dissin and C Lou Albrecht to Development List
• LHP Kolby Allard to 60-Day Injured List
• RHP Lou Trivino III re-signed to minors deal and assigned to IronPigs
• RHP Chase Shugart optioned to IronPigs
• RHP Brandon Beckel to IronPigs from Jersey Shore
• RHP Alan Rangel recalled to Phillies
• C Lou Albrecht released
• RHP Chase Shugart recalled to Phillies

First Place

Yup, this silly Scranton team is somehow in first place.  They’ve got Worcester and Durham on their heals.  They’re coming off a 2-4 home series with Rochester, though, so not gangbusters right now.  A perusal of their roster reveals many familiar names–just from how often we play these guys–but many of them are injured.  That could be part of the recent swoon.  LHP Carlos Rodon is with the team on rehab, but it is not know if he’ll appear during this series.  C Abrahan Gutierrez is a familiar name in Phillies prospect circles.  INF Anthony Volpe and OF Jasson Dominguez are still in the minors for some reason.  Their manager is still Shelley Duncan if anyone wants to get the old “left-right-left” going.

At The Park This Week

Tuesday:  Pitties Night (Pit Bull celebration, but hopefully Pitbull tunes on the PA all night!), Tail Waggin Day, Adoption and Rescue reps in the plaza, Dog Bowl Giveaway (Adult Humans)

Wednesday: Tacos and Tallboys, Youth Beanie Giveaway (17 and under), Casey Bat Dog Appearance

Thursday:  Twisted Happy Hour 5PM – 7PM (all gates 5PM), Cris P. Bacon Bobblehead Giveaway (Adults)

Friday: Pirate Night, Pirate Ship Appearance, Boy Scout Night, Fireworks

Saturday: Golf Night, Tin Cup Giveaway (Adults), Fireworks

Sunday: Football Day, Mini Football Giveaway (Adults), Eagles Drumline Appearance, Post-Game Kids Run Bases.

Weather

It’s the Dog Days, so there could be showers to dodge, but right now it looks like we’ll get these in and sit in the 80s all week.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

 

 

 

We’ve got our first look at the 2027 IronPigs schedule–and with it, the 20th Anniversary logo!  A bunch of things can and will change surrounding this schedule (ie promotions, game times etc) but we kinda know how the season is gonna go now, and which opponents we’re going to see on the field with our 20th Anniversary team.

First, The Elephant In The Stadium

There’s going to be IronPigs baseball.  No, I don’t have any inside information, but if we can assume a Lock Out of MLB players to start the 2027 season in order to finish a collective bargain agreement, then we have to recognize that minor league players are covered under a different CBA, which runs until the end of the 2027 season–and will still be under contract and should be available to play.   It’s not a strike, so there’s no “picket line” issues to hammer out.  The minor leaguers will want to play so that they’re ready when and if they’re needed.  Major Leagues own the minors now, as well as a nice chunk of the teams, so it’s doubtful they’ll lock out the minor leaguers as well or they would be breaching that CBA.

The Good

• It’s good to kinda know there’s gonna be baseball–barring some other news, anyway.
• The 20th Anniversary logo is good, unobtrusive and classy.
• It’s good to start the season in the south–an old southern division team in Norfolk.
• Memorial Day Weekend and July 4 Weekend and Labor Day Weekend are all home games.  [We know Pigs management would like to sell us other events for those times, effectively double-dipping, but we’re here for the baseball part.]
• End at home.  I just like saying good-bye to the team and the players and the staff and everyone and having it be truly over–or celebrating a possible playoff game but that’s unlikely in the current iteration of this thing.

The Bad

• The six-game series set-up persists.  It does save on travel, but also other expenses and annoyances that come with moving a team around.  From the Pigs side, I guess they have the attendance figures to prove it doesn’t drive people away to see the same game six nights in a row–or they’re gonna come to the game when they want anyway and the blocks of six don’t matter enough to move the attendance meter–or the season ticket meter for that matter.
• No new opponents.  Here we are traveling to St Paul for a second year in a row.  We went to Omaha and Indy before.  Why can’t some of these cats come here?  It’s only fair.  Columbus is the only team from the “West” we see–and we usually see them anyway.  Durham and Norfolk are the old South Division teams we’ll see, but again, we have seen them a bunch since the pandemic.
• And that means, two home series–12 games–versus the old North teams,  At least they’re mostly reasonably separated first half versus second.  Worcester is the one we see twice in April and May.  Annoying.
• The series in May and June of two weeks away, two weeks at home, and then two weeks away again.  Hopefully the Reading schedule will save me from that horrific sequence.

The Ugly

• Just thinking about how MLB owns MiLB now, and most of their ownership groups also hold a portion of the minors, just means they’ll be making money and won’t end the lockout soon enough.
• Also, when thinking about salary cap structures, the most-fair way, used by football and hockey and maybe basketball, has the players getting a certain percentage of Total Revenue along with the calculation of a salary floor, to that end.  But what’s included in “Total Revenue?”  The minors?  The casino in the parking lot?  Wrigleytown outside the stadium?  How are they going to handle broadcasting and streaming and the revenue that comes from that?
• The quality of play on the field.  Guys on the 40-man–usually about 14 of them–who have options are mostly going to be sent to the Pigs to play.  Some may be on the injured list, of course.  But the 40-man guys have MLB deals and will be locked out so our Triple-A talent pool will be lower.  Other teams as well, of course, just the overall quality less.
  • Now, some guys on MLB deals now who are due to become free agents and would usually get a minors deal with a “Spring Training Invite” might want to play and sign on for some Triple-A action.  Those who have enough pedigree and/or enough money to weather the lock out will either sign a free agent deal before the lock out on December 1 or hunker down with their savings and sign immediately after the new CBA is signed, rather than play in the minors and risk injury and such.
• Diamond Baseball Holdings.  They own a ton of teams and as they continue to grow and approach their MLB-mandated limit, my prediction is that MLB will buy them out.  Perhaps as soon as MLB can suck all the money out of the minors and not have to include it in the salary cap.  I wonder what those DBH folks are thinking about all this?

Downloadable PDF: 2027_Schedule_Release

Photo Version:

 

See you at the park (hopefully),

@Kram207

PS:  If you are a person of power and knowledge beyond Mr.Google, and want to shed light on any of the assumptions above, please reach out.  Remember, Kram is just Mark backwards, hit me up.

For the second time this season the IronPigs return from a trip deep into the Western Division of the International League.  Around here of course, we’d love to see some of these teams visit us to complete the home-and-home–even over a couple of seasons.  We got to see that play out in hockey a couple seasons ago, but it didn’t generate any buzz in the stands or at the box office.  Only the zealots like us pay attention to such things it seems.  This was our third visit to Omaha–gotta wonder if ownership has some family in the area?  Does that area spend a lot on our merch?  Do these trips help with online merch sales?

So the team got a nice break over the All Star week–no more AAA All Stars, which is kind of sad but also completely understandable–and woke up in Nebraska for a three-game weekend set.  Omaha (AAA-KCR) swept the mini-series 3-0. Losing pitchers were Davidson, King and Cusick.

Then the team headed due East to face the Indianapolis Indians (AAA-PIT) for the first time in a while.  I don’t believe we’ve seen the AAA Pirates home or away since before the pandemic and the MLB takeover.  The IronPigs got a split in the standard series in Indy, with two nice starts by Andy Painter.

In the second half, the IronPigs are 13-14 and in 7th place in the International League East.  In the league for second half title, they are 6.0 games back, which is still within shouting distance.  The top team in the league right now is somewhat surprisingly, Durham, who finished the first half in the basement.

Transactions

Starting when the team went on break following the home series win versus Columbus:

• RHP Seth Johnson called up to Phillies
• RHP Alan Rangel optioned to IronPigs
• OF Bryan De La Cruz called up to Phillies
• C Lou Albrecht activated from the Development List
• C Mark Kolozsvary sent on rehab to Clearwater
• RHP Jackson Rutledge released
• Phillies selected contract of C Payton Henry
• LHP Andrew Walling to the 60-Day Injured List
• RHP Levi Stoudt place on Full-Season Injured List
• Phillies traded for CF Kameron Misner*, optioned to Lehigh Valley
• Phillies selected contract of RHP Brian Keller
• Phillies recalled LHP Kyle Backhus
• Phillies optioned RHP Alex McFarlane** to IronPigs
• Phillies optioned RHP Max Lazar to IronPigs
• RHP Mitch Neunborn to the 7-Day Injured List
• C Jordan Dissin promoted from AA-Reading
• OF Steward Berroa DFA’d by Philadelphia

* – Misner is a lefty-batting outfielder who is listed as a center fielder.  He’s had some run in the Majors with Tampa in 2024 and 2025 and with Kansas City in 2026.  His line this season over 63 games with Triple-A Omaha: .286/.378/.563/.941 with 14 HRs, 16 2Bs and 3 3Bs.  His average is a little higher, but his AAA numbers are consistent with previous time at the level including with Durham.  He has expected but not outrageous splits as he struggles versus LHP, and loses some power.  Still, it’s a good get for the Phillies on a cash trade.  Berroa could be gone via his recent DFA, and Tommy Pham has an opt-out coming up.  Pedro Leon is back and playing in Reading–he’s doing well but not forcing the issue for a return to AAA.

** – McFarlane was a starter early in his development as a prospect in the Phillies system.  Following Tommy John surgery, he came back as a reliever and did so well that he was put on the 40-man roster in the offseason to fend off Rule 5 suitors.  He’s been called up a couple times this season, straight from Reading, when the Phillies needed and arm and didn’t want to make a 40-man move.  He did get to make his debut, and the first batter he faced was Shohei Ohtani!  He’ll crank it up into the high 90s and follow it with a breaker that he can throw for a strike.  Around here, we’ve been calling for him at AAA for quite some time.  That time is now.

Printable Roster: 072726 LHV Roster

Enter Buffalo

We saw Buffalo back in May.  They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. In the first half, the Bisons finished tied with the IronPigs in the standings, 35-40.  In the second half, the visitors are 14-13, one game ahead of the ‘Pigs.  They are -9 in run-differential, the only team with a deficit other than the two last place teams Jacksonville (-26) and Norfolk (-32).

Prospects (Pipeline)

The Phillies have been connected with the Blue Jays headed towards Monday’s trade deadline.  It would be unlikely that prospects would be coming to the Phillies, but if so, it could be one of these guys:

6. INF Sean Keys

9. OF RJ Schreck

11. RHP Jake Bloss

12. 1B/3B Charles McAdoo

14. 3B/SS Josh Kasevich

19. UTIL Jay Harry

21. LHP Javen Coleman

 

Painting By Myself

We’ve been entrusted with the continued development of former top pitching prospect Andrew Painter.  His struggles at the MLB level this year have been well-documented.  And by ‘We’ I mean, we get a front row seat–not necessarily that we’re privy to any information on what they are working on exactly, or what each game plan might entail.  Everyone can see the results by looking at the box score, but for those of us who are at the games or watching carefully on video during away starts, there are some clues as to what’s going on and some things to watch for to know what a good outing is for him, and what a really good (read: MLB-ready) outing looks like.

The Fastball:  Oh, you’ll hear the critics pro and amateur bemoan that his fastball doesn’t move enough.  Perhaps a change in grip or the addition of a more prominent sinker or splitter can help with that–but those are more things for the off-season.  For now, the fact is, he can’t locate it.  The four-seam is often wild-high–many times arm-side but occasionally glove-side.  This has to do with his delivery and his release.  Those are hard things for us to notice in the park, but where the ball ends up is a nice clue.  They want his arm-slot in a certain place and they want him to get better extension given the size of his frame.  What to watch:  Watch to see if he can hit his spots with the fastball and avoid wasted pitches well-high and center-cut meatballs.

The Velocity:  It hasn’t been a huge concern, but coming off elbow surgery last season we’d see 97-98 mph in the first inning, followed by 95-96 in the next inning or two, and by the end of the outing he’s 92-93.  Slow and straight is no way to throw a fastball, son.  This season it has been a bit less of a problem.  What to watch:  Watch to see initial and subsequent velocities over his outing, including where he ends up in his last inning.  If he’s having trouble locating (see above) it could also happen that he’s taking something off in order to hit his spot; that can be a double-edged sword.  

The Secondaries: He’s got a slider, change and curve.  In the past he was able to throw them all for strikes.  The slider can be a sweeper sometimes.  What to watch:  Watch to see which secondary he features first and how he can command these pitches.  More important is usage (below).

Strategy and Game Plan:  We can somewhat infer from pitch usage and strategy, what they are working on with each start.  His last home outing, it was a ton of fastballs, as they were working on the things we talked about above.  Columbus was able to sit on it a bit and put some barrels out there.  There was some loud contact, but also some weak liners hit into the outfield grass.  But it was a lot, and that led to a very bad outing on paper.  Perhaps they were able to get some things on tape and review the mechanical and location things they were working on.  What to watch:  How soon does he go to secondary pitches?  Does the pitch mix make sense?  Is the result effective and efficient (see below)?  Does a third or fourth pitch become more prominent later in the outing when he’s been through the lineup once or twice?  Or, does it feel like you’re watching a practice game?

Efficiency:  This is the big one for me.  Even if he’s got a no-hitter through three innings, if it takes him 68 pitches to get there then that’s not an MLB-ready outing.  There can be other positives, to be sure, but when he’s ready to go back to the big leagues and stake his claim to a rotation spot, you’ll see better efficiency.  Walks, of course, are an obvious thing here, but he has been pretty good this season about not completely losing the strike zone.  What to watch:  How many pitches is it taking him to get through an inning?  How many non-competitive pitches and meatballs is he throwing?  Look at walks and strikeouts, of course, but weak contact is your friend.  It’s going to take all of the above to get here:  Locate the fastball, mix in the secondaries to his advantage, generate weak contact and miss barrels when you’re not missing bats.  

Sunday at the park with Andy:  So what did his most recent outing look like?  I was able to catch part of it on video as well as watching the statcast.  First inning he went Line Out, Pop Out, weak grounder.  He was driving the fastball down in the zone.  Good start.  Second inning he gave up a single to center, got a strike out swinging, picked off the runner, and got another strikeout looking to end the inning.  Third inning went strikeout on a foul tip, strike out looking and a fly out.  By the fourth inning, the IronPigs are up 5-0 and he’s cruising.  Fly out, ground out, ground out.  In the fifth, things get a little sticky.  First batter flies out.  Second batter lines a single to left.  Painter bad throw on a pick-off attempt.  Another single to center and we have first and third with one out.  A swinging strikeout and a fly out get him out of Dodge with no runs.  By the bottom of the sixth, the Pigs are up 8-0 and the efficiency and accuracy are starting to suffer.  He used a bunch of pitches this inning, making the final efficiency seem somewhat worse than it really was.  Leadoff batter struck out swinging.  Second batter solo HR.  Third batter single, advance to second on a throwing error by Rob Moore.  Ground out, runner advances to third.  Ground out to get out of the inning.  Final line:  6.0 IP / 5 H / 1 R-ER / 0 BB / 6 K.  90 pitches, 61 strikes.  He used a lot of pitches in the fifth and sixth innings.  That’s when the ball started to go wild-high again.  He was able to drop in a slider here and a curve there to keep batters honest, but it was still a fastball heavy mix.  Some good news:  He held 98+ all the way into the sixth inning despite some loss of control.

It looks like his next start will likely be on Saturday this series.  If the Phillies are even more impressed than me, it could be as soon as Friday.  Or, if we’ve got other arms that need work they could push him back to Sunday again.  We’ll see when the rotation comes out.

At The Park This Week

Tuesday:  Christmas in July; Santa in the Board Room;  Knit Cap Giveaway (Adults); Tail Waggin’ Day

Wednesday: Festers Night; Festers Cap Giveaway (Adults); Tacos & Tallboys

Thursday:  USA 250 Night; Twisted Thursday Happy Hour

Friday: Rhyme All The Time; Green Eggs and Hambone; Girl Scout Night; Fireworks

Saturday: Paranormal Patrol Night (Ghostbusters Characters); Fireworks

Sunday: “Pigs And Rigs” Pre-game motorcycle parade; post-game kids run bases

 

Weather

Tuesday: Scattered Thunderstorms, wind and hail possible

Wednesday: Evening Showers possible

Thursday: Sunny and Nice

Friday: A bit warmer

Saturday: A bit warmer yet

Sunday: 50% showers

 

See you at the park,

@Kram207

Featured Image of RHP Nolan Hoffman by Jack Mitroka

 

 

Welcome to the weekend, you guys.  Dodge the showers and come on out to the park for the last three games of the Clippers series.  They’re the AAA-affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.

In The Past

The IronPigs are 8-7 in the second half and 3.5 games behind first place Durham, who were horrible in the first half.  It’s good enough for seventh place overall, with many teams within a game or two.  We began the second half at home versus Syracuse, losing the series 2-4.  Then a trip up to Rochester yielded a 4-2 series win.  So far this week we are 2-1 versus the Clippers.

Oh, The Roster

So many moves during the Syracuse, Rochester and Clippers series thus far.  We’ve been remiss on not updating enough.  Here are the highlights:

• As you saw last night LHP Kolby Allard has returned to the fold, giving some much-needed starting pitching depth. He was a 2024 IronPig.  He had been with these very Clippers as well as up with the Guardians last season and into this year.  He was released in June and signed back here on a minors deal.
• RHP Max Lazar had spent some time with us on option.  It appears he’s back with Philadelphia as they’re in full churn mode in their bullpen here prior to the break.
• RHP Alan Rangel, who went to the Phillies in place of RHP Andrew Painter, is back with the big club currently after getting sent down in exchange for another reliever.
• RHP Jackson Rutledge, former 1st-round pick of the Washington Nationals, found himself DFA’d and released back in June.  Since then he’s signed back on a minors deal and has had some injury difficulty.  He’s back healthy, and had a clean inning Thursday night.
• INF Liover Peguero spent some time on the injury list after getting hit with a pitch in the last home stand.  He’s back this week.
• RHP Lou Trivino was called up to the Phillies, but is now on the MLB 15-day Injured List.
• RHP Chase Shugart was back with the IronPigs, but has returned to the Phillies with the Tanner Banks injury.
• RHP Grant Holman is back from the injured list
• OF Tommy Pham, not necessarily known as a “clubhouse guy” has been signed to a minors deal and assigned to the IronPigs.  He’s 38 years old and has 1250 games of MLB experience.  However, he’s not been great at the plate this season with the Mets and couldn’t break through in Baltimore. Now he’s here.
• INF Carter Kieboom is on the 7-Day Injured List
• OF Bryan De La Cruz had an opt-out opportunity.  The Phillies signed him to the 40-man roster and optioned him to the IronPigs in order to keep him in the organization.
• RHP Andrew Bechtold has returned from the injured list
• C Rene Pinto was released
• LHP Kyle Backhus was optioned to the IronPigs from the Phillies
• RHP Seth Johnson is back with the IronPigs
• UPDATE:  Just Today (Friday):  Kieboom activated from injued list and OF Dylan Carlson released.

Printable Roster:  070926 LHV Roster

Cleveland and the Clippers

Their manager is, of course, legendary IronPigs Andy Tracy–who hasn’t been exactly warm and fuzzy with his former organization where he got a World Series ring for his trouble.  But he’s still a first-group “Wall of Fame” guy for me.

There are also a bunch of prospects on this team, including 1B/OF Ralphy Velazquez, SS Angel Genao, and C Cooper Ingle, their top three.

Old friend RHP Ben Lively is on this roster, but on the 60-Day Injured List

Pitching This Weekend

Friday:  RHP Andrew Painter (0-0, 1.80) vs RHP Rorik Maltrud (2-0, 3.82)

Saturday: RHP Chuck King (5-3, 4.55) vs LHP Logan T. Allen (4-2, 4.18)

Sunday: RHP Drake Fellows (0-1, 4.91) vs RHP Trenton Denholm (8-2, 4.05)

At The Park This Weekend

Friday:  Coquis Night!  Post-Game Fireworks.  6:45PM First Pitch, 5:15PM West Gate (Club, Suites), 5:30PM East Gate (Main, Center Field)

Saturday:  Pickleball Night!  Paddle Giveaway (Adults). Post-Game Fireworks.  6:35PM First Pitch, 5:00PM West Gate (Club, Suites), 5:15PM East Gate (Main, Center Field)

Sunday:  GOAT Day!  Snuggling Goats (I don’t know, man).  Post-Game Kids Run Bases.  1:15PM First Pitch.  11:45AM West Gate (Club, Suites), 12:00PM East Gates (Main, Center Field).

Weather

Friday: Passing thunderstorms around game time, then cooler and clearer.

Saturday: Clear.  High 70s most of the game.

Sunday: Sunny.  Mid-80s.  Wear sunscreen.

What’s Next?

All Star Break!  Expect to see some “getaway” behavior from both teams as we get closer to Sunday.  No minor league All Stars any longer.  It was something to see and talk about and it was fun when it was here–BUT, it’s great for the guys to get a break and spend time with family or friends away from baseball.

Coming out of the break late next week the ‘Pigs will fly West.  Three games in Omaha next weekend against the Storm Chasers (AAA-KCR) then on to Indianapolis to face the Indians (AAA-PIT) in a standard 6-game affair with matinees Wednesday and Sunday.

The Pigs return home at the end of the month, 7/28, when the Bisons are in town.

Reading Update

The R-Phils are finishing up their pre-break schedule this week in Somerset County (AA-NYY).  When they return from All Star Break (again, no game) they’ll host Altoona (AA-PIT) for the three game weekend.  They’ll be in Harrisburg (AA-WSH) the following week before returning home for the overlap as they host Binghamton.

Reading has two weekday day games remaining.  Tuesday 7/28 camp day 12:00P start, and Tuesday 8/25 “The Morning Game (TM)” at 11:00AM.

See you at the parks,

@Kram207

Featured image of Robert Moore stealing second base, by Jack Mitroka

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first half of the season is in the books as the IronPigs closed out a home series with Worcester with a loss, clinching the series split.  Syracuse is in town to open the second half of 2026 baseball at Coca Cola Park.

Looking Back

The IronPigs went 35-40 in the first half, 12.0 games back of the International League leader, Memphis (STL).  Of course, they play a completely different set of opponents so it makes just that much sense.  The IronPigs were 20-19 at home, so we did see winning baseball around here.

The International League East was led by Rochester, who finished 1.0 game behind Memphis.  Jacksonville and Charlotte were the next tier, 3.5 and 4.0 games behind Rochester.  The next grouping finished in the .500 neighborhood:  Worcester, Syracuse and Scranton.  Buffalo and the IronPigs were 5.0 games below .500, while the bottom tier was Norfolk and Durham, 7.0 games behind the Bisons and the Pigs.

A further look at what the team put up this season finds that they scored 372 runs, which was only bested by Charlotte (480), Rochester (385) and Jacksonville (379).  However, the Pigs allowed 415 runs to score, for a -43 run differential.  That was worse than any other team, except Norfolk (424, -96) and Durham (445, -109).

Fixing The Playoffs:  Look, it’s just not that important to have a bunch of playoffs–not to the powers that be, anyway.  MLB wants Triple-A to be for spare parts for the big league teams and a place for their extra 40-man players to get regular playing time.  They keep us playing well into September these days so that players are sharp if needed for the end of the season and/or the MLB playoffs.  So, if they want the first-half/second-half structure, just limit it to the International League East.  So Rochester would be our winner and they would play a game or three against the IL-East second half winner for a short playoff and then the winner gets a plaque.  Done.  Nice and tidy and nobody has to travel that far, and everyone’s done in time for the MLB playoffs.  The West and the Pacific Coast League can have a similar system.  Don’t worry about crowning a Triple-A overall champion.  Nobody really cares that much, it seems.  If they don’t care enough to make the schedule fair or symmetric, then no reason to stress about a massive playoff system.

Enter Syracuse

The Pigs were up in the Salt Town for a standard series back when April was turning into May.  That was when the wheels came off for the 2026 ‘Pigs.  They were flying high coming off a 5-1 series win down in Durham when they got smashed 1-5 up in Syracuse.  They went from 2.5 games back in the entire league to 7th place, all in one series.

RHP Ofreidy Gomez is on this team.  Back in 2022 he appeared in 14 games with Reading and 24 games with the IronPigs.  Our old friend Guillo Zuñiga is on this team as well.  INF Christian Arroyo is on the injured list.  INF Francisco Lindor will be with the team at least on Tuesday, for rehab; we’ll see where it goes from there.  OF Christian Pache is another familiar name playing for the Smets.  As far as top prospects go, look for RHP Jonah Tong, 1B/OF Ryan Clifford, who came over in the Verlander trade, and RHP Jack Wenninger.  OF Nick Morabito just misses the top 10.

Last week Syracuse took a home series against the cellar dweller Tides, 4-2.

Paint Man

This week, we welcome the return of one Andrew Painter.  Unfortunately, it didn’t go like I predicted before the season, but he’ll be here working on his delivery and command–and work on putting that together.  His return was predicted, though.

[UPDATED]

Looks like not until Sunday at the soonest or Painter–which makes sense as they make changes in his delivery–unless they push him into next week in Rochester.

Rotation and matchups this week:

Tuesday: LHP Tucker Davidson (3-3, 6.43) vs RHP Jack Wenninger (3-5, 3.34)

Wednesday: RHP Brian Keller (0-1, 4.40) vs TBD

Thursday: RHP Chuck King (4-3, 3.99) vs LHP Zach Thornton (1-3, 4.80)

Friday: RHP Drake Fellows (0-1, 5.73) vs RHP Johah Tong (1-5, 6.30)

Saturday: LHP Kolby Allard (2-1, 4.29) vs RHP Xzavion Curry (2-0, 4.54)

Sunday: TBA vs TBA

Transactions

Oldest to newest..

• OF Steward Berroa optioned from Phillies
• RHP Max Lazar called up to Phillies
• RHP Andrew Bechtold to the 7-Day Injured List
• RHP Evan Gates promoted from AA Reading
• RHP Andrew Painter optioned from Phillies
• LHP Tanner Banks optioned from Phillies
• RHP Bryse Wilson added to 40-man and called up to Phillies
• RHP Seth Johnson called up to Phillies
• LHP Kolby Allard signed to minor league contract and assigned to IronPigs

Phillies moves Monday:

• RHP Alan Rangel to Phillies
• RHP Bryse Wilson Designated for Assignment
• RHP Max Lazar optioned to IronPigs
• LHP Kyle Backhus activated for Phillies
• OF Cade Fergus, who had been with Reading, was released

Printable Roster (6/20): 062026 LHV Roster

Going On At The Park This Week

We’ve got 6:45PM first pitch all week, with 6:35PM on Saturday and 1:15PM on Sunday.  Gate times are 5:15PM Club/Suites and 5:30PM Main/Center Field all week except Thursday.  On Saturday look for 5:00PM/5:15PM and on Sunday 11:45AM/12:00PM.

Tuesday:  Pride Night, Tail Waggin’ (bring the pup), Clack Fan Giveaway (Adults).  (Dollar Dogs resume in September)

Wednesday: The Office Night with Kate Flannery, Tacos and Tallboys

Thursday: Margaritaville Night, Happy Hour 5PM-7PM, All Gates: 5PM, Cap Giveaway (Adults)

Friday: USA 250 Night, Corn Holder Giveaway (Adults), Fireworks

Saturday: T-Shirt Giveaway, Fireworks

Sunday: Jurassic Pork, Cap Giveaway (Adults), Post-Game Kids Run Bases

What To Watch

• Watch out for Mets fans who think these games are really important.  If necessary, ask them how their weekend was last week.
• Watch to see if Lindor stays for more than one game.
• Watch to see if some pitchers start moving.  Some of the prospect-level arms from Clearwater have made it to Jersey Shore; we should start to see some movement to Reading and maybe a promotion or two to the IronPigs now that we’re in the second half.  I’m looking at Adam Seminaris, Luke Russo and Braydon Tucker from the starters and Alex McFarlane and Christian McGowan from the relievers.  Nobody is completely dominating right now, but those are the guys who could be ready for a challenge.
• The Phillies roster is far from complete.  But carrying three catchers is probably not forever.  Watch how Rene Pinto plays this week and if they can try to sneak Stubbs or Marchan through waivers.
• Watch to see how much Berroa plays.  I think he only played one game last week after getting sent down–could be some time off for him or perhaps he’s nursing an injury.  Also don’t think he’s pulling a “Hector Luna” with this–doesn’t seem like the type.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

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.

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

 

 

 

The Series So Far

Not good.  Tuesday, they grabbed defeat out of the jaws of victory.  A healthy lead evaporated when Mercado, Lazar and Snead yielded the runs, with Snead walking 5 over two innings of work.

Then I wrote a whole thing about how great the lineup was looking.

Wednesday, Tucker Davidson got BABIP’d to death in the second inning, and said powerful lineup couldn’t come back from it.

Thursday felt non-competitive as the Red Wings just dripped in runs inning after inning and then made fabulous (and lucky?) plays in the field to crush the ‘Pigs, who could only manage four hits on the night.

So here we are, 0-3 on the week and looking to save some face on the weekend.  Any bright points?

• 1B Keaton Anthony is back, and hitting right away
• 1B/LF Felix Reyes hit a homer on Wednesday
• RHP Brian Keller went four innings with one earned run last night, a good showing for a guy who’s both coming back from Tommy John and hasn’t really pitched in a while, and might not be that stretched out yet.  We’re going to need starting inning in the worst kind of way with the Wilson opt-out.

“Tuesday Transactions” And Such

• C Rene Pinto and OF Pedro Leon had their rehabilitation stints promoted to High-A Jersey Shore.  There is the possibility one or both could get back with the ‘Pigs this weekend, although far from guaranteed.
• As expected, 1B Keaton Anthony was activated from his 7-Day Injured List stay, due to a broken foot suffered in Spring Training
• C Lou Albrecht returned to the Development List
• RHP Bryse Wilson released after exercising his opt-out clause.
• RHP Gabriel Barbosa promoted from Hi-A Jersey Shore

Discussion:  No movement from any of the pitchers in Reading.  They are in Binghamton, NY, just up I-81 and the turnpike, so there is the possibility for this weekend, but more likely if movement is to happen it will be Sunday night when Reading returns home.  They are home for Portland next week and the ‘Pigs are in Scranton.  We’re going to need starters and we’re going to need length and we’re going to need numbers coming up here.  The discussion about the good lineup can be laughed off, but we’re not a very talented pitching team when you have to cover 54+ innings per week.

OF Gabriel Rincones, Jr. sat yesterday with a tough lefty on the mound.  Could be planned rest but we’re watching to see how they bring him along this season.  No further leftys for Rochester this week.

This Weekend At The Park

Friday:  6:45PM start time.  Faith Night.  Fireworks.  RHP Chuck King on the mound for the ‘Pigs.

Saturday:  6:35PM start time.  Squonk Night.  ?Jersey Auction. Rally Towel giveaway. Fireworks. RHP Alan Rangel on the mound for the ‘Pigs

Sunday: 1:15PM start time.  Caturday. Lint Roller giveaway. Post-game kids run bases.  RHP Drake Fellows back on the mound for the ‘Pigs.

Up Next

As mentioned above, the ‘Pigs head up the Northeast Extension to play Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (NYY) next week in Moosic.  When they return, they’ll have their only back-to-back home series of the season, with Worcester (BOS) in for a week, followed by Syracuse (NYM) the next week.  Plenty of friendly, well-adjusted fans will be around, for sure.  Reading, by the by if you’re up for a trip to Baseballtown, will have their back-to-back starting this week with Portland (BOS), followed by an overlap with the Worcester series when they get Hartford (COL).  They’ll then head to Altoona (PIT) for a week while we have the Smets, and they’ll have New Hampshire at home in the week that culminates with the July 4 weekend.

Coca Cola Park will host events on July 3 and 4 for fireworks and festivities, so check that out if you’re not headed to Reading for baseball.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

We’re into June and now the IronPigs lineup is as interesting as ever.  And it’s not just about who these guys are right now, but their storylines and their potential roles going forward.

We’re using the lineup from Tuesday night, just for reference:

Dylan Carlson CF:  The former first-round pick of the Cardinals does have 570 games of MLB experience, but just hasn’t made it stick just yet at that level, with St Louis, Tampa, Baltimore and the Cubs.  He did bat almost .300 in a short stint with AAA Norfolk last season.  He’s a tall rangy dude with some power who’s been filling the center field role with Berroa up with the Phillies.  Here’s what’s interesting:  He’s a switch-hitter who can theoretically help you from the right-hand side, as an outfielder who is athletic enough to play all three spots.  However, he’s batting .168 right now at Triple-A and has only tapped the power from the left-hand side.  In yesterday’s series preview we noted that with guys getting healthy, it’s time to see something from Carlson.  Sure enough, he led off last night and hit two doubles, scoring one run in the 8-7 loss.

Felix Reyes LF:  The young slugger just keeps hitting.  And, hitting the ball hard.  On the season in Triple-A, he’s hitting .328 and OPS-ing 1.028.  It’s right handed power but he can and will take it to all fields.  Here’s what’s interesting:  He’s going to be swinging.  You don’t want him to lose his aggressiveness, but perhaps a modicum of restraint when he gets his next MLB opportunity.  He might be a guy who needs some runway at that level that the Phillies can’t give him right now.  He made a really nice rangy play in left field last night, and if he can play a corner without being a fielding liability, that might get him some of that run that he needs in the big leagues.

Gabriel Rincones, Jr RF:  He’s back and he’s moving around well on his balky knees.  He even got caught stealing last night–feeling good enough to give it a try.  Here’s what’s interesting:  He got the start last night against a lefty–albeit an opener.  It will be notable to see if the Phillies continue to develop him as a platoon player out of the box or if they let him work things out against lefty pitching to see if he can become a more rounded player.

Otto Kemp 3B:  His position is hitter.  The fielding has been sketchy at 3B and in LF.  It’s been tough for his bat to get into a rhythm on the MLB level as a bench player.  We’ll see if he can lock in during this stint in the minors and make it work on the next level.

Liover Peguero 2B:  He made several excellent plays at second base last night. They’ve bounced him around the infield.  With two hits and two walks last night he was on base four times and scored three runs.  Here’s what’s interesting:  He’s a much more mature player as a hitter, fielder and overall compared to when we saw him coming up with Pittsburgh.  If he bats righty and plays a plus second base?  Could he have some value in the Soto/Stott axis?  Probably not right away, but we’d say that he’s an interesting depth piece for the remainder of this season.

Keaton Anthony 1B:  He’s back from his pre-season foot injury and not running terribly well.  But he’s doing Keaton Anthony things and that means hitting the ball and getting on base.  Here’s what’s interesting:  If they give him a chance in left field as they were doing before the foot injury, he could be an interesting right-handed platoon option, perhaps a more reliable bat with more contact compared with Reyes.  If not, he’s just a cool player to have at first base every night for our AAA lineup.

Bryan De La Cruz DH:  He’s played a decent right field for us this season.  He admits that he doesn’t like playing in the cold and doesn’t play well when it’s cold.  It’s not cold any longer, and he’s heating up.  Three hits last night, 7 total bases including a three-run jack.  Here’s what’s interesting:  He’s your right-handed corner outfield replacement if he can get it going.  His May numbers were not impressive.  He needs to get hot now if he wants to be an option for the Phillies in RF in place of Garcia.  It’s time to watch his numbers on a game-to-game and small sample basis to see if he’s getting hot.

Dylan Moore SS:  He was 0-for-5 with 2 K last night and should have been given an error on an early grounder that went under his glove.  He’s interesting as a player who could pop up at any position on the field on any given night, but his bat is just not playing as he’s hitting .222 in Triple-A, and the Phillies already tried that on the big team.

Paul McIntosh C:  His bat was heating up recently, but he didn’t get a hit last night.  His play behind the plate is not always the best, either.  He came over from the Marlins in the Luzardo deal and is 28 years old, a former 34th round pick of the Angels out of West Virginia.

That was last night’s lineup, here’s the guys who were on the bench:

Christian Cairo INF: He’s on the 40-man and he can get on base. There’s not a ton of power there but he’ll take a walk. Notable: He’s a fun player to watch at AAA but owes some run to Aidan Miller’s unavailability, perhaps.

Carter Kieboom INF: The former top Nationals prospect is corner infield and not always sharp about it. Notable: Dude can hit in AAA but hasn’t figured it out in the MLB at a few different locations. He’s a good bat to have in a AAA lineup.

Caleb Ricketts C: He’s on the prospect lists and he does have some pop in his bat. He needs to stay healthy and put it all together with his defense and his bat.

Ronald Moore INF: Notable power hitter RoMo has really tapped into his power this season. We kid, but after seeing him in Reading for a while we know he always plays the game hard and we’ll take the long balls when we can get them.

Lou Albrecht C: Kind of a roving organizational catcher, he’s currently on the active roster and can help with bullpens and as an extra guy.

Bonus: Reading

If you made it this far, here’s a couple guys in Reading who are not on the prospect lists, but playing very well:

Braydon Tucker RHP: A free agent signee out of Indiana he’s been killing it as a starting pitcher. It might be time to challenge him with AAA.

Austin Murr OF/INF/DH: Chosen from Detroit in the minors phase of the Rule 5, He is .311/.918 and playing every day. Perhaps never a prospect but he’s one of the glue guys who hold that Reading lineup together. Worth a look.

See you at the park(s),

@Kram207