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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

 

The Way We Were

Two weeks ago we were seeing Scranton at home for the first time.  A recently-scuffling IronPigs squad tied the series 3-3 in a manner that wasn’t always exciting or confidence building–but Scranton was ahead in the standings and it was good not to lose any ground.

Then, the Bacon Bunch shuffled up to Buffalo.  Earlier in the month, the Bisons took a series at Coca Cola Park 4-2.  This past week, the Pigs returned the favor, with a 4-2 series win in the Bisons’ stadium.  The series was significant for:

1. A couple extra-innings games, you win some you lose some.
2. Felix Reyes continuing to rake
3. Gabriel Rincones Jr re-joining the team, with his knees now healthy
4. Kieboom’s batting average returning to what his baseball card says it should be–in AAA anyway.
5. Rangel working as the “bulk boy” again, but then returning to a starting role at the end of the week
6. Hoffman and Johnson working the same night–Hoffman blows the save and loses the game, so Johnson gets the next opportunity.  Which means Hoffman is fresh and gets called up when the Phillies need an arm with Nola on paternity.  Not always fair, baseball is.
7. An IronPigs 3-run ninth inning to win a game
8. Mercado with two scoreless for the win, but then blowing one later in the week.
9. McIntosh is starting to hit
10. Moore and Moore middle infield
11. Bryse Wilson with another good outing
12. Rutledge with a bad one…and then the IL
13. Carlson taking over CF from the promoted Berroa
14. The return of Kemp
15. Chuck King settling in at the AAA level
16. Rehabs ending and the Phillies choosing Lazar over Pop.  Options are worth more than cash, sometimes.
17. Cusick’s ERA continues to start with a 6, despite his move to bulk relief.
18. The arrival of RHP Brian Keller
19. But Seth Johnson continues to have the success:  He now has 5 saves and a 1.61 ERA
20. Peguero hits his first HR of the season.  And it’s a grand slam.  With two outs, late in the game.  And the Pigs win!

The IronPigs are 27-30, 8.0 games behind IL-leading Memphis and Nashville, and 7.5 games behind East-leading Rochester.

Rochester Repeat

Our dislike for the schedule is well-known.  But, yes it could be worse.  We don’t see any team more than two series at home.  However, this is the second time already for Rochester as we barely crack the first third of the season–and, we’ve already been up there once and will return at the end of the month!  It’s a lot of Red Wings in the first half.  The Pigs are 2-4 at home against Rochester, and went 1-5 when we visited them, so 3-9 overall thus far.  As far as their roster, Crews is up with the Nationals, and they’ve been cycling pitching as the Nationals are want to do.  They are coming off a home-series-win over Syracuse, 4 games to 2.  Rochester is the top team in the IL East, 0.5 games behind IL-leading Memphis and Nashville in the West.

Roster Revolver

(chronological order, with commentary to follow)

• 5/21: RHP Drake Fellows activated for IronPigs
• 5/24: SS Sergio Alcantara released
• 5/25:  SS Erick Brito sent to Reading on rehab assignment
• 5/26:  RF Gabriel Rincones Jr activated from Injured List
• 5/26: OF Pedro León sent on rehab to FCL/Clearwater
• 5/26: 1B/OF Keaton Anthony sent to Jersey Shore for rehab assignment
• 5/26:  RHP Andrew Bechtold sent to Jersey Shore for rehab assignment
• 5/28: OF/INF Otto Kemp optioned from Philadelphia
• 5/28: OF Steward Berroa called up to Philadelphia
• 5/28: C Lou Albrecht activated from Development List
• 5/29: OF Pedro Leon sent to Jersey Shore on rehab assignment
• 5/29: RHP Nolan Hoffman recalled to Philadelphia (Nola to paternity list)
• 5/29: RHP Andrew Bechtold activated from 60-day Injured List
• 5/30: RHP Max Lazar activated from MLB 60-Day Injured List by Philadelphia and optioned to IronPigs
• 5/30: RHP Zach Pop activated from MLB 15-Day Injured List and Designated for Assignment
• 5/30: RHPs Jackson Rutledge and Grant Hollman placed on 7-Day Injured List
• 5/31: RHP Lou Trivino placed on Temporary Inactive List

IronPigs Discussion:  Fellows had 33 appearances and 19 starts for AAA Indianapolis (PIT) last season.  He has yet to make his MLB debut.  He was signed by the Yankees in the off-season, released and had an opportunity in Mexico cut short in order to sign a minors deal with the Phillies.  We project he’ll be stretched out and continue to start games for the IronPigs at this juncture.  He’s been doing well so far.  Alcantara was a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the IronPigs lineup along with Berroa, for a time, while playing a solid shortstop opposite Christian Cairo.  However, he was starting to go through it a bit both at the plate and in the field and with some guys getting healthy (Brito, Anthony) it was time for him to go.  Rincones’ return helps the lineup a great deal if he’s going good.  Watch to see if he’s playing against lefty starters or if he gets platooned late in games.  We’re expecting Anthony back this week.  Watch to see whether they get him time in LF right away or if it’s just 1B and DH to start.  The return of Leon potentially, coming up, is one we hadn’t necessarily counted on.  It looked like a pretty severe hamstring when it happened.  He’ll add some fielding prowess in the outfield.  Phillies had to DFA him when he was on the IL, which isn’t cool, but they re-signed him to minors deal so that he wasn’t unemployed and could rehab properly.  That’s the right thing to do.  With the Dev List available, as well as perhaps some spots in Reading, we’re not terribly worried about the other end of these upcoming transactions, but we will say that OF Dylan Carlson needs to start hitting better.  His fielding has been pretty solid, including a special play or two this past week on the road.  The Lazar over Pop decision was clear–you need to not only find 40-man space elsewhere, but 26-man space for Pop in Philadelphia, otherwise.  They do owe Pop some money for this season, but they’ll get some off-set help from elsewhere if he leaves, or if he accepts assignment there could be a minors clause in the contract like what Stubbs had.  Hollman has been up and down since he signed.  We were hopeful for Rutledge but his recent bad outing was likely the start of some health problem and hopefully it’s not too severe.  Not sure what’s going on with “Sweet Lou” but hopefully everything is OK.  INF Aidan Miller is maybe doing baseball things.  Or maybe he had a setback?  We wish him well of course, but we won’t get excited until we see video and him playing in games.

Phillies Discussion:  With no one in Philadelphia hitting, at all, they need to lean into their pitching and defense.  Kemp and Reyes both had an opportunity with the big club, but neither flourished with limited playing time.  And, with the Phillies spot in the standings right now there’s no time to dedicate to playing through it.  Thus, the Berroa call up.  He’ll be a better outfielder than Kemp or Reyes or even Soto for that matter.  He was on the 40-man after getting DFA’d by Milwaukee. He was with Toronto when Mattingly was there, so there’s some familiarity, too.  He’s a switch hitter, who will give you some right-side platoon when you need it–and we don’t know how much worse it can be compared with Aroldis Garcia right now–although Garcia’s fielding has been really good.  Berroa was our favorite player around here when he was an IronPig. It’s good to see him get the opportunity, plus he can help the Phillies and we get Reyes and Kemp every night.  Bryan De La Cruz admits that he hates playing in the cold.  If he gets hot with the weather, he’s probably the next to get an opportunity with the big club in the outfield–especially as a right-hander.  He’ll need a 40-spot, though.  We think RHP Seth Johnson is due for another shot in the Show, the minute the Phillies need a right-handed reliever.

Reading Discussion:  With the arrival of #2 prospect and 2025 first-rounder RHP Gage Wood, the R-Phils are the team to watch right now for prospects.  They have guys like Dylan Campbell, Dante Nori and Raylin Heredia in the outfield, Escobar, Rincon, and DeMartini (IL) on the infield and Catcher Keyden Hettinger.  Of that group, Rincon is the one pushing the hardest towards Triple-A, which makes the loss of Alcantara much less problematic position-wise.  As far as Triple-A help: INF Alex Binelas has AAA experience with Worcester, OF Austin Murr is playing really well.  LHP Adam Seminaris and RHP Kyle Brnovich have experience.  RHP Braydon Tucker his having a heck of a year.  And we expect hot-shot reliever RHP Alex McFarlane to be called up to Triple-A momentarily.  We think Wood will be in AA for a while, but this Phillies season is so odd, you never know!

At The Park This Week

6:45PM Starts this week at the park, 6:35PM on Saturday and 1:15PM on Sunday

5:15PM Gates Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for Club, 5:30PM for Main and Center Field

5:00PM All Gates on Thursday

5:00PM Club Gates Saturday, 5:15PM Main/CF

11:45AM Club Gates Sunday, 12:00PM Main/CF

Tuesday: Dollar Dogs, Tail Waggin’ Bring The Doggos, “Where’s Hambone?”

Wednesday: Tacos and Tallboys promotion; Aidan Miller Bobblehead Giveaway

Thursday: Happy Hour 5PM-7PM; Ice Cream Night*; Cap Giveaway (Kids)

Friday: Faith Night; Fireworks

Saturday: Squonk Night*; Rally Towel Giveaway; Fireworks

Sunday: “Caturday” make-up game; Lint Roller giveaway; Prince and Princess Day; post-game kids run bases

* – No jersey auctions have been announced, but jerseys, hats and other gear available in the clubhouse store

Weather Report

Looks like a good week for baseball.  Some hot weather.  Chance of thunderstorms on the weekend.

Notebook, Rumors And Opinions

• This Hambone thing is cool.  Adds some interest.  I hope it’s not a letdown.  Or worse, a sponsorship.
• As above, we’re expecting Keaton Anthony back on Tuesday as well as a call to AAA for Alex McFarlane.  But, those are just rumors and guesses.
• We’re thinking maybe the weekend or next week for Pedro Leon.  We’re thinking a couple more weeks and if Bryan Rincon is still going good they might challenge him with AAA.
• We could hit 90 this week, and if so you will be able to bring sealed water bottles. Watch social media for update.
• Season Member batting practice has been Tuesdays, but it can get cancelled.  Watch your email.
• Colonel Honey-Mustard in the Library with a Rotisserie.  That’s our guess.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

 

 

So Far, So-So

The IronPigs came out Tuesday and lost by two touchdowns, but returned the favor on Education Day Wednesday.  The Thursday night affair saw the IronPigs give up a bunch of runs, but also score in bunches to make it close at the end.  Alas, a loss, and we’re at 1-2 on the week.

We won’t start talking about standings until we start really winning some games.  There’s a lot of mediocrity out there, so a hot run could still work.  But we’ve got to have the horses to do it, and they have to run.

RHP Alan Rangel, last night’s projected starter, worked in bulk relief once again.  It feels like he’s gearing up to be in a “bulk boy” role behind Nola coming up, as Nola has looked pretty good in the early innings but gets hit hard after that.  Could it work?  Maybe.  Rangel has been good, but I’m not sure how much better he is compared with inning 2 or inning 3 Nola.

Roster Ramifications

RHP Drake Fellows was signed to a minors deal, and assigned to the IronPigs.  He pitched in 33 games with AAA Indianapolis last season, starting 19 of them.  9-6, 4.41 isn’t half bad, and he was signed by the Yankees in the offseason.  Released before the season started, he was set to head to the Mexican League when the Phillies came calling.  He started last night and navigated things reasonably well only giving up one run through his two innings–and that technically allowed by Lazar who followed him during a “comedy of errors” third inning.

Printable Roster: 

052126 LHV Roster

Yankees Notes: 

RF Spencer Jones and RHP Yovanny Cruz were optioned to AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre today.  It is not known when they will report or be available to play.

Weekend Probables

Friday: RHP Bryce Wilson (2-5, 8.20) vs. RHP Carlos Lagrange* (0-2, 4.23)

Saturday: RHP Chuck King (1-3, 5.32) vs. RHP Elmer Rodriguez (1-2, 1.38)

Sunday 6:35PM: TBA vs. RHP Brendan Beck (3-2, 4.63)

Final Thoughts on the Weekend

We’re going to be battling some questionable weather this weekend, which is really too bad.  This is the time where the Pigs games start to get better crowds and maybe we get a Hambone win.  But we’re not holding out hope for this weekend.

Stay dry out there, I’ll see you at the park,

@Kram207

 

 

 

More than half-way through May and it’s our first look at the hated RailRiders.  With the current schedule structure, it does work out that we see them at Coca Cola Park only twice per season–and the visits are well-spaced.  It could be (and has been) worse.  Here’s what you need to know about this series:

A Look At The Standings

The IronPigs have been going through it a bit, of late.  A strong start to the season has led to a few 2-4 series losses including a series in Syracuse, home for Buffalo and a dreadful 1-5 week in Rochester last week.  Roster fluctuations, known weakness at starting pitcher, loss of chief vibes officer Garrett Stubbs…the reasons are many.  And, while the change of manager in Philadelphia led to a run for the parent club, the loss of AC at the helm has been a change for the ‘Pigs–but association, not causation.  We’ll look at that later in the week perhaps.

The IronPigs are third-to-last in the IL East on a 2-8 run, but really only 7.0 games back in the entire International League.  That’s a couple good weeks to be right back in it.  Not saying it will happen, of course.

Scranton finds themselves in third place, four games ahead of the IronPigs at this juncture.  They are a perfectly average 5-5 in their last 10 games.  They are coming off a 3-3 split at home versus Syracuse last week.

Roster Roulette

Part of the inconsistency in the win column is the inconsistency in the lineup.  Every team goes through it, and it’s not likely to improve per se–although some help might be on the way.  Often, we look at June 1 for a bevy of roster moves which might include opt-outs or other players getting released, for a variety of reasons.  It could be contractual, performance-based, guys getting healthy, or even just an advance jump at the number of contracts prior to the draft (the limit doesn’t come into play until much later, but it could still play a factor).

5/8:  INF/OF Dylan Moore passed through waivers and accepted his assignment to the IronPigs.  He’s wearing #28.

5/9:  RHP Zach Pop joined on a rehab assignment.  He’s been hot and cold in his couple of outings since.

5/10:

RHP Jackson Rutledge optioned to the IronPigs.  He’s the former first rounder from the Nationals.  He washed out as a starter and is trying to find some grip as a reliever.  Worthwhile bet on talent, and he’s looked good thus far.

LHP Andrew Walling to the Injured List.  We saw him tap out as the spot starter in the last home series.  Hopefully it’s a short stay.

OF Oscar Mercado released.  He wasn’t playing well and some guys will be coming back from injury and/or other sources.

5/11:  INF Erick Brito is on rehab assignment, working his way back.

5/12:

RHP Levi Stoudt promoted from Reading.  Former Mariners third rounder out of Lehigh.  The Pottstown native had 10 clean outings in Reading to start the season.

RHP Jean Cabrera sent down to Reading.  To make him a reliever?  Not yet, but the clock is ticking.

OF Cade Fergus sent down to Reading.  Numbers game but also he needs to play to maintain his clutch status.

INF/OF Keaton Anthony is on rehab assignment with Clearwater, working his way back.

RHP Max Lazar is on MLB rehab with the IronPigs

OF Dylan Carlson signed to a minors deal and assigned to the IronPigs.  He’s a former first rounder from the Cardinals who has 570 games of MLB service with the redbirds, Tampa, Baltimore and the Cubs.  He was released by the Cubs.  He hit .294/.421/.451 last season in a short stint with Norfolk.  So far with the IronPigs it hasn’t been pretty.

5/13:  RHP Teagan Cain, an interesting prospect, was briefly on the Pigs roster but mostly as a placeholder until he was assigned to the Threshers

RHP Andrew Bechtold started his rehab assignments in Clearwater.

5/16:

LHP Genesis Cabrera asked for and was granted his release.  He’s had some good outings but also some really, really bad ones.  He’s said to be heading to Asia to find work.

LHP Kirby Snead was signed.  He’s had MLB time with Oakland, Toronto and Seattle.  He pitched in independent ball last season as well as a short stint in Mexico.  It doesn’t appear he had a team in 2026 as of his signing.

5/17:  RHP Jonathan “Texas” Hernandez requested and was granted his release.  RHP Lenny Torres Jr was released because, well, 12.15 ERA probably part of it.

5/18: INF/OF Otto Kemp and INF/OF Felix Reyes switched spots again, with Kemp to the Phillies and Reyes back with the Pigs.  It was always coming once Kemp found his hitting stroke–Reyes needs to play to continue to develop and he was mostly stapled to the bench in Philadelphia.  It’s not known when Reyes will report and get activated.

5/18: Rincones Jr, and Brito are now with Jersey Shore on rehab while the others remain in Clearwater.

Yankees Affiliate

INF Gorge Lombard Jr, RHP Elmer Rodriguez and RHP Carlos Legrange are three of the top four Yankees prospects right now.  INF Spencer Jones is in New York.  Our old friend C Payton Henry is on this team.  RHP Luis Gil is on the injured list.  RHP Garrit Cole made two rehab starts with the RailRiders last week, but his status for this week is currently not known–FWIW Somerset is in Chesapeake so this is the closest to New York he could be; however, it has been rumored that he is due to be activated for the Yankees this week.

At The Park This Week

Please note the changing start times:  6:05PM tonight with gates at 4:30 and 4:45.  11:00AM Education Day tomorrow (Wednesday) with gates at 9:30AM and 9:45AM.  6:45PM starts Thursday and Friday, followed by 6:35PM starts Saturday and Sunday for Memorial Day Weekend.

Tuesday:  Tail Waggin’, Dollar Dogs, Coquis, Umbrella Giveaway (always a good one!)

Wednesday: Education Day 11:00AM

Thursday:  Happy Hour 5PM-7PM, Military Night.

Friday: Salute to Philly, Fireworks, Color Guard, St Luke’s Vehicles

Saturday: USA 250, Fireworks

Sunday: Memorial Day observation, Fireworks, Cap Giveaway

Weather

Hot on Tuesday and Wednesday, with showers arriving Wednesday afternoon.  Cooler with clouds Thursday and Friday, and scattered showers Saturday and Sunday.

With hot weather, water bottles will be allowed Tuesday night.  Check prior to the game for Wednesday, but it should repeat.

See you at the park, more updates to come!

@Kram207

 

 

 

 

 

“Keepin’ touch with Mama Kin
Tell her where you’ve gone and been”

-Steven Tyler / Aerosmith

Buffalo Series

A rousing win on Education Day on Tuesday–from here on known as the “Otto Kemp Game” for his 2 HR and 7 RBI–has let to some poor performances over the past couple days.  The weather hasn’t been easy, but that impacts both sides.  The IronPigs have had some ineffective starting pitching; sometimes you can overcome that, and sometimes it just spirals.  Down 1-2 on the week, perhaps the weekend can provide some competitive games and some much-needed wins.

Roster and Transactions

Perhaps not as many as we first anticipated.  Since Tuesday’s post:

• OF Gabriel Rincones Jr has been doing baseball things including starting an assignment with Single-A Clearwater where he crushed a long home run the other day.
• INF Aidan Miller is not doing baseball activities.  We’ve gone beyond frustration around here and turned to feeling really bad for the person he is.
• RHP Grant Holman was claimed off waivers from Detroit and optioned to IronPigs.  He’s kicked around a bit this season as the big righty from Cal has been the victim of some 40-man moves.  He came up with the A’s and has some MLB time with them from 2024 and 2025.  The Diamondbacks claimed him on waivers in February but he didn’t survive Spring Training before he got DFA’d again.  The Dodgers claimed him but it doesn’t appear that he pitched at all.  10 days later, on to Detroit by the same method, and he got three appearances and one start–only 4.1 innings–with Toledo before the process started again.  Scouting report suggests he has a dominant mid-90s fastball and a swing-and-miss change.  He needs to pitch; let this kid settle in and start to get some innings.  At the upper minors, he does seem to be mostly a reliever and that’s where he profiles.

Most Recent Printable Roster

050726 LHV Roster

Motivations

Just a quick look at why the guys are playing hard–not that they wouldn’t–and where the opportunities might lie:

Christian Cairo:  He got his 40-man spot, but should be motivated to continue to play good defense at multiple positions and hit the ball to make himself an option for the Phillies wherever they might need him.

Steward Berroa:  The Phillies always seem to need center fielders, so if he can play well in the field and provide a solid bat from both sides of the plate he should provide some outfield depth for the Phillies.  We’d like to see his .276 be more .316, but the .827 OPS is nothing to sneeze at.

Otto Kemp:  He needs to prove that his bat is more reliable in left field than Felix Reyes, and that his glove plays well enough at third to spell a struggling Bohm.

Bryan De La Cruz: A right-handed corner outfield bat?  Yes, please says the Phillies.  He’s gotta hit better though.  And, for more power.  If he gets hot he’ll be up in the Majors in a minute.

Liover Peguero:  Positional flexibility.  He’s working on proving that he can be a depth option who can play all around the diamond and has some MLB experience.

Caleb Ricketts:  The Phillies are keeping three catchers in the big leagues because they don’t trust any of their other options at Triple or Double-A.  Ricketts has the opportunity to prove defensively that he can be that catching depth and that his bat won’t be a complete zero.  He’s gotten better already this season.

Carter Kieboom:  He’s had some opportunity in the majors already and it hasn’t worked out.  He’s having his normal Triple-A season right now but will need to force their hand and do well enough at first base that he’s a real option if Harper needs some down time.

Everyone’s trying to get to the Big Leagues of course, but these players have some specific motivations to continue to play well for themselves and the organization.

The Weekend

Friday:  6:45PM start time with gates at 5:15/5:30.  Fireworks. Witches and Wizards night.  Butter beer in the plaza.  LHP Tucker Davidson back to a starting role after some time in the ‘pen, trading places with Ryan Cusick.  Cool out with breeziness and possible showers.

Saturday: 6:35PM start time with gates 5:00/5:15.  Fireworks.  Star Wars Night.  Cool with shower risk continuing.  Alan Rangel on the mound, giving the Pigs a good chance to win.

Sunday:  1:15 start time with gates 11:45/12:00.  Wine glass tumbler for the ladies.  Mother’s Day.  Run the bases and catch on the field after the game.  Warmer and sunny.  Bryse Wilson coming off one of his better starts on Tuesday morning.

See you at the park,

@Kram207

 

 

The Buffalo Bisons are in town for a six-game series that includes an ‘Education Day’ game to kick things off.  Here’s what you need to know about this series…and more!

Looking Back

The Durham Series

It’s unusual for Tampa to put a weak team at Triple-A, in Durham, but this year’s squad down there isn’t very good.  The ‘Pigs beat them 5-1 in the series including a doubleheader sweep on Sunday to close things out.  Saturday was a rare pre-game rain out.  Kudos to the IronPigs organization for not dragging everyone out to satisfy group requirements; it’s early enough in the season that they can reschedule most groups easily.  Durham is currently 11-22 and in last place.

A Week in the ‘Cuse

Syracuse took the series 5-1.  However, it is notable that three of the games Syracuse won were non-regulation length affairs, due to weather interruptions.  Once that was over, the Pigs were able to mount some come-back efforts in the late innings.  It is a good team up there with the Smets, though, and they are currently 18-14 and in first place in the International league East.

Standings

The IronPigs are 17-16 and in 5th place in the International League East–a bunch of teams grouped at the top there.  Overall–which is what counts–the ‘Pigs sit 5.0 games back of the overall leader, Memphis (AAA-STL).  Buffalo comes in this week.  They are 15-18 and in 8th place in the East, coming off a 2-4 showing in Scranton last week.

Roster Update

May 1 isn’t usually as dramatic as June 1, but we did already have an opt-out:  “Sweet Lou” Trivino, RHP and Slippery Rock product from Green Lane, PA, exercised his opt-out clause on May 1, getting his release and becoming a free agent.  He then signed a Majors deal with Baltimore, so good move for him.

4/26: RHP Jonathan Bowlan added on MLB Rehab; he has returned to the Phillies

4/27: RHP Nolan Hoffman has been up and back from the Phillies

4/28: RHP Colin Peluse returned to AA-Reading

4/29: RHP Trevor Richards had his contract selected by Philadelphia.  He does not have options and does have enough service time to elect free agency should he go through waivers.  He was also pitching well; perhaps he had the same opt-out that Trivino had?

5/1: RHP Lou Trivino released (see above)

5/2: RHP Michael Mercado (no relation to Oscar) activated from the 7-Day IL

5/2: C JT Realmuto was activated from the MLB Injured List and UTIL Dylan Moore was designated for assignment, as the Phillies are currently keeping three catchers.  A lot is being made about Stubbs’ ability to play (read: “stand at”) a variety of positions.  However, this is mostly about the lack of MLB-ready catching depth at the upper minors.  Mark Kolozsvary has 11 games of MLB time, but is on the 60-day injured list.  René Pinto has 83 games of MLB time, but is on the 7-day Injured List. Paul McIntosh and Caleb Ricketts are still getting their feet wet at Triple-A–each has less than 25 games.  Marchan and his .078 batting average probably aren’t long for the Phillies, but they need his experience behind the plate right now in case Realmuto needs to go back on the Injured List.

5/2:  RHP Connor Gillispie transferred to ‘full-season’ injured list.  I saw his name pop up in a live box score last week but that must have been an error because I can’t find that now.  Perhaps RHP Michael Mercado took his jersey number?  Yup, that’s it.  Feel bad for Gillispie, he was starting to have a really nice season.

5/4: SS Jose Rodriguez released (had been on 60-day injured list)

5/5: Duran should be activated today for the Phillies.  We’ll see whom they option.  Chase Shugart has been a dude, but he might be the one with the option available.

The flurry of ‘Tuesday Transactions’ may come early this week as we’ve got the day game Tuesday morning.  Some of them may be the “retroactive” variety.  

Printable Roster (5/2)

050226 LHV Roster

Welcome, Bisons

The Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays arrives in town with a fair few names you might recognize:

Old Friends:  LHP Michael Plassmeyer and INF Rafael Lantigua are the first names that jump out. C William Simoneit was with Reading a bunch in 2024, with one game for Lehigh Valley.

Relatives: C CJ Stubbs is Garrett’s brother

Big Leaguers:  RHP Jose Berrios was with this team last week on rehab.  We’ll monitor his status; a regular 5-day start would come Friday but he is not listed among the probables for the week.  He also hasn’t been getting great numbers in his first two appearances.

40-Man Guys: RHP Chase Lee, LHP Brendon Little, LHP Adam Macko, LHP Ricky Tiedemann (injured), C Willie MacIver, and OF Jonatan Clase

Top Prospects: RHP Jake Bloss and OF RJ Schreck are the players to watch here.

Notable:  RHP Nic Enright is a cancer survivor and as far as we can tell, not related to IronPig great, Barry Enright.

Other notes on the Bisons:  The spent last week in Scranton, so this is their second week in a row on the road.  They have a significant number of players on the injured list–particularly pitchers.

Notebook

Radio: The audio broadcast of the game can still be heard on Fox Radio, Lehigh Valley, 94.7 FM and 1230 AM.  This season, the ‘Pigs are also broadcasting audio live on YouTube, which made me wonder if the broadcast radio coverage was in danger of ending.  I do appreciate listening to the away games as well as the end of home games on the drive home from the stadium.  The FM broadcast is super clean, although not terribly useful in the park where it is a pitch or two behind the live game.  The AM broadcast is more in real time but the reception can sometimes be troublesome.  For me, I could also ask Sam to open the window and speak up a bit and I could hear him from my seat.  Anyway, I was able to find out that as of now, the radio broadcast isn’t going anywhere.  Many minor league teams do not have terrestrial radio available, and that was my fear.

Food: The ‘new food items’ post still hasn’t been updated with prices and reviews.  The rain last Saturday interfered with the “research.”

Start Times:  As you likely noticed, the 6:35PM start times in April were something new this season.  We’ll go to 6:45PM now, for the remainder of the season for most week-day evening games with 6:35PM on Saturdays.  This wasn’t anything mandated by the league, just something the IronPigs are trying in an effort to play the games when the weather is a bit warmer in the Spring, as well as being a bit earlier to keep folks in the stadium a bit longer.  The 11:00AM Education starts are MLB impacted, as schools would rather start at 10:30AM, but earlier than 11 is no longer allowed (See Also: Reading “Morning Game” no longer at 9:30AM).  Time between games is also an MLB mandated item, which is why we have a 6:00PM start on Tuesday, two weeks from now against Scranton, due to a Wednesday Education Day the following day.  The Sunday 1:15PM starts also give everyone a bit more time in the late afternoon and evening–probably something the players appreciate as well.

Additional Tickets:  For season ticket holders and others, we now have a couple of rain credits due to the rain out last Saturday.  These are valuable for when you need a couple extra tickets on a weekend.  During the week (Tue – Thu), full season ticket holders can take advantage of “unused credits” unless you’ve used all of your tickets thus far in the season.  Check in with your ticket rep for how this all works.

Weather This Week

Tuesday looks like a shorts and sunscreen kind of day for the 11AM game.  Wednesday looks like the big rain threat as of now; we’ll be monitoring the hourly forecast as those games approach.  Thursday through Saturday looks cooler, with some rain threat on Saturday.  Sunday looks nice for Mother’s Day.

Probables

Tuesday:  RHP Bryse Wilson (1-3, 9.67) vs RHP Hayden Juenger (0-1, 3.18, opener or bullpen game)

Wednesday: RHP Chuck King (1-0, 3.27) vs RHP Austin Voth (0-0, 4.05, 2025 in Japan)

Thursday: RHP Jean Cabrera (1-1, 8.25) vs TBA (maybe: RHP Chad Dallas (0-2, 4.29))

Friday: LHP Tucker Davidson (1-1, 6.75) vs TBA (maybe: Berrios–nope they moved Rogers and Van Eyk up for now)

Saturday: RHP Alan Rangel (2-3, 2.56) vs (maybe: RHP Grant Rogers (1-3, 6.29))

Sunday:  RHP Bryse Wilson (1-3, 9.67) vs TBA (maybe: RHP CJ Van Eyk (1-1, 3.54)

Promotions

Tuesday:  Education Day, 11:00AM Start.  9:45 Main Gates, 9:30AM Clubs and Suites

Wednesday: Easton Night; Crayola Jerseys; Tacos & Tallboys; 6:45PM Start; Check Rain

Thursday:  Happy Hour 5PM – 7PM; All Gates 5:00PM; St Luke’s Night; Scrub jersey giveaway (adults); Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act

Friday: Witches and Wizards Night; Butterbeer in the Plaza; Fireworks; Salisbury Youth pre-game parade

Saturday: Star Wars Night; Fireworks

Sunday: 1:15PM Start.  Mother’s Day; Tumbler/Wine Glass giveaway (women); post-game kids run bases; post-game family catch on the field

 

See you at the park,

@Kram207