Phillies vs Yankees @ Clearwater @ 1:05 PM
Lineup :
Kyle Schwarber 3
Nick Castellanos 9
Brandon Marsh 8
Edmundo Sosa 7
Kody Clemens 4
Garrett Stubbs 2
Johan Rojas DH
Christian Arroyo 5
Rodolfo Castro 6
Zack Wheeler RHP
Minor League Call-Ups : - note that these players are reserves (may not play)
Pitchers : Konnor Ash, Trent Dillard, Paxton Thompson, Gunner Mayer
Infielders : Kelly Dugan, Carson DeMartini
Notes on today’s minor league callups :
1B Kelly Dugan - 34 years old - was the Phillies 2nd round draft selection in the 2009 draft from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California. He reached the AAA level of play in 2015 with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs where he appeared in 36 games and made 147 plate appearances. Kelly had been added to the 40 man roster on 11/20/13 and was out-righted to LHV on 10/19/15. He was with the organization till 11/6/15 when he declared free agency. Played with the Cubs and Diamondbacks organizations the next three years before embarking on an independent league career the next six years. His “tryout” with the Phillies is being filmed as a documentary.
INF Carson DeMartini - 22 years old - 2024 4th round draft pick - Virginia Tech University - advanced left handed hitter who posted a .315/.385/.478 slash line in 104 plate appearances at Clearwater after he signed with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 9 RBIs, he drew 9 walks, struck out 14 times and stole 8 bases. Showed strong contact skills offensively with pop that was “loud” - the two home runs we saw at Clearwater jumped off his bat. Defensively played primarily third base in his initial 24 pro games but also saw time at both second base and shortstop. He played third base in college, to me that looks like where he belongs, plenty of arm to man the position and decent range. I think he’s a good candidate from the ‘24 draft class to advance out of spring camp directly to Jersey Shore and claim the post as primary third baseman. A lot to like in his game and approach. Has had an outstanding minor league mini-camp.
RH Konnor Ash - 25 years old, turns 26 in March - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/20/21 - University of Missouri - has a big breaking curve ball and a deceptive delivery - hides the ball really well - seems to come from behind his front knee with arm slot and leg kick. The full arsenal is a fastball (sits in a range of 90 to 93 mph), change up, curve and occasional slider. Primary off speed pitches are the curve and change up, gets a really high arm extension and release point bringing the baseball from a downward plane path, very effective for the curve and change up in particular. Will take the baseball every day - very durable. Just might find a niche in a big league bullpen where he can utilize his arsenal and delivery to contribute. Is a bulldog competitor - won’t scare or back away from pressure situations. Konnor had a nice year with Reading in 2024 appearing in 35 games (10 as an opener) accumulating 63.2 IP and posting a 3.53 ERA with 66 K’s.
RH Trey Dillard - 26 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 7/25/23 - Texas A&M University - motion reminds me of former Phillies minor leaguer Grant Dyer (he’s now a firefighter in California btw) who had a big arm to couple with a 12 to 6 hook. We have seen similar action with Trey’s pitches and mechanics - jumps at the hitter. Trey has had two Tommy John surgeries as an amateur pitcher (2020 and 2021) but battled back to earn a chance with the Phillies as a professional. He was selected in the 16th round of the 2018 draft by the Dodgers but did not sign. Pitched for the University of Missouri before transferring to Texas A&M. Throws a fastball (93 to 97 mph), sinker, slider, curve and cutter. In 2024 he began the year with Clearwater - 5 games (8 IP) with a 3.38 ERA - promoted to Jersey Shore 4/28/24 - 30 appearances (36.2 IP) - 5.15 ERA - 44 K’s and 30 walks.
RH Gunner Mayer - 24 years old - 2019 5th round draft selection - San Joaquin JC, Stockton, CA - converted to a reliever in 2024 after being a starter during his first four seasons - spent most of this past year with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws - 41 appearances - 52.2 IP (4.10 ERA) with a 3-3 record and 4 saves in five chances - 68 K’s and 36 walks - promoted to Reading on 9/10/24 - appeared in two games - one unearned run in two innings pitched - 4 hits, no walks and 4 strikeouts. Gunner converted to pitching in junior college after primarily playing shortstop in high school - he’s developed a lively pitch mix. Raw stuff has upper level potential, command and control have been issues to conquer. The fastball sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - also throws a change up, slider and curve. Gets scouts attention with stuff, if combining it with increased pitch-ability that provides the potential to reach the top. One who can throw multiple innings in his outings.
RH Paxton Thompson - 25 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 8/4/23 - University of Charlotte - before pitching for Charlotte he pitched a year at the University of Mary (North Dakota) and a year at Bradley University. Started the 2024 season with Clearwater - 19 appearances - 3.62 ERA in 27.1 IP with 30 K’s and 9 walks - promoted to Jersey Shore on 7/1/24 - was excellent at High A - 1.64 ERA in 16 appearances (22 IP) with 23 K’s and just 6 walks - had a 0.95 WHIP. He’s a strike thrower who can pitch two inning stints (did so in 15 of his 34 games) - throws a cutter, sinker (90-93 mph), slider and change up.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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