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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

 

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