Phillies vs Yankees @ Tampa @ 6:35 PM
Lineup :
Kyle Schwarber 3
Johan Rojas DH
Max Kepler 7
Edmundo Sosa 6
Kody Clemens 4
Garrett Stubbs 2
Christian Arroyo 5
Cal Stevenson 9
Rodolfo Castro 8
Taijuan Walker RHP
Minor League Call-Ups : - note that these players are reserves (may not play)
Pitchers : Nelson Alvarez, Jaydenn Estanista, Josh Hejka, Mitch Neunborn
Infielders : Carson Taylor, Trent Farquhar, Luis Vedugo, Robert Moore, Erick Brito
Outfielder : Marcus Lee Sang, Matt Kroon, Eduardo Lopez, Dylan Campbell
Catcher : Kehden Hettiger, Luis Caicuto
Notes on today’s minor league callups :
Catcher Kehden Hettiger - 20 years old - 2023 11th round draft pick - Sierra Canyon HS, Chatsworth, CA - played the entire 2024 season with the Clearwater Threshers - had his struggles offensively but ended the year well with a .417 OBP in 70 August plate appearances. He’s relatively new to the catching position having played infield primarily in high school. Has an outstanding arm and strong hands - needs some time to develop behind the dish but coaches say he has the makeup to excel. Is a switch hitter - played an equal amount of time at first base (29 games) as he did catching (30 games) in 2024. There’s evident talent to work with - a second year with the Threshers (at least to start the year) seems likely.
INF Trent Farquhar - 24 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 7/19/23 - Michigan State University - played at four levels in 2024 (3 games - FCL (rehab), 32 games - Clearwater, 38 games - Jersey Shore and 5 games - Reading) - was on the IL from 5/29 to 7/20 with a broken hamate bone - still managed to play in 78 games and posted a .285/.433/.374 slash line in 410 plate appearances with 15 doubles, 3 triples, a home run and 23 RBIs - walked 59 times versus 63 strikeouts - stole 28 bases - led off most games he played in. Defensively saw action at second base, shortstop and third base. So far in his pro career he’s been an on-base machine - this past summer I wrote a spotlight article on him and asked Trent about offensive approach - “For my approach I like to hunt fastballs in the middle of the plate early. However, I’m very comfortable hitting with one or two strikes so that allows me to be able to be picky early in the count and get a pitch I can drive. I’ve been blessed with good pitch recognition and being stingy to my approach.” He played winter league baseball in Australia as a member of the Adelaide Giants. A high baseball IQ and an ability to consistently get on base - both great qualities to have.
1B Carson Taylor - 25 years old - was selected by the Phillies in the minor league portion of the rule five draft on 12/6/23 from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Carson was the Dodgers 4th round draft selection in the 2020 draft from Virginia Tech University. He is well regarded for his ability to control the strike zone during his AB’s and making hard contact. Has raw power that produced 16 doubles, 3 triples, 16 home runs and 77 RBIs (led the minor league organization) between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley in 2024 (promoted there on 9/17/24 - played in 6 games - .316/.519/.316 in 27 PA’s) and posted a very solid .279/.396/.458 overall slash line in 477 plate appearances.
INF Robert Moore - 22 years old - acquired in trade with Milwaukee Brewers for Oliver Dunn 11/14/23 - was the Brewers 2022 CB-B round draft pick - University of Arkansas - played in 107 games (435 plate appearances) for Reading in 2024 posting a .240/.323/.364 slash line with 20 doubles, 9 home runs, 41 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. Walked 39 times and struck out in 73 plate appearances. Defensively played 61 games at shortstop and 41 at second base. Has a high baseball IQ, plays smart baseball, good hands and shows patience as a hitter, generally won’t get himself out. He’s the son of Dayton Moore - former President of KC Royals.
INF Luis Verdugo - 24 years old - signed as a minor league free agent 12/12/24 - was in the Chicago Cubs organization prior to electing free agency. He was signed by the Cubs as an international free agent on 7/2/17 from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Luis played the 2024 season at the AA level for the Tennessee Smokies and posted a .257/.313/.328 slash line in 447 plate appearances with 21 doubles, 2 home runs and 42 RBIs. Defensively he played all four infield positions but primarily saw time at third base. In his minor league career he’s played in 456 games making 1,824 plate appearances and has a .246/.311/.358 slash line with 94 doubles, 26 home runs and 207 RBIs. He also played in the Mexican Winter Pacific League this year for Tomateros de Culiacan and hit .286/.320/.471 in 77 plate appearances with 5 doubles and 2 home runs. He’s noted as a solid hitter with a selective approach who can hit to all fields - has been known as a streaky hitter. He’s given good grades as a fielder with good footwork and soft hands along with a plus arm - noted for excellent athleticism.
OF Marcus Lee Sang - 24 years old - 2019 11th round draft selection - Northern HS, Owings, MD - played the majority of the 2024 season at AA level Reading - was promoted to AAA Lehigh Valley on 9/5/24 and played two games with the IronPigs - overall he hit .241/.300/.396 in 435 plate appearances with 12 doubles, 5 triples, 13 home runs and 47 RBIs, stole 12 bases. Defensively he played 63 games in CF, 13 in LF and 20 in RF. He’s a very good defender in all three positions, gets great jumps and reads, has a strong and accurate arm and is sure handed. A left handed hitter and thrower with a quick bat, decent speed and the ability to drive the ball out of the park. Is a very popular teammate, pleasant personality, upbeat with a welcoming attitude and smile. Works hard, is coachable and plays the right way.
Matt Kroon - 28 years old - 2018 18th round draft selection - Oklahoma State University - after electing free agency he re-signed with the Phillies this off-season. Matt lost a good bit of time in the 2024 season due to injuries - he played in just 80 games for AAA Lehigh Valley and posted a .251/.325/.441 slash line in 280 plate appearances with 14 doubles, 11 home runs, 38 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He’s a versatile defender who played exclusively in the outfield during 2024 (18 games in CF, 43 games in LF and 15 games in RF) but he’s also played a good amount of time at both 1B and 3B - it’s that versatility that makes him a valuable player on any team he’s on. Matt has above average speed and a short swing. He’s a diligent worker who is a baseball rat, gets after it and loves to play.
INF Erick Brito - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent 11/29/18 - Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela - played at two levels in 2024 - 70 games with Jersey Shore and 41 with Reading (promoted 7/16/24). Overall hit .243/.319/.326 with 22 doubles, 2 home runs, 30 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in 437 plate appearances. Played defensively at 2B, SS and 3B in 2024 but has also played 1B and all three outfield spots. Erick has made a steady progression in his pro career playing initially in the Dominican Summer League for two seasons before advancing to Clearwater in 2022 where he was the primary shortstop. In 2023 he began at Clearwater as the primary second baseman, was promoted to Jersey Shore on 6/13/23 and played mostly shortstop thereafter for the BlueClaws. We have seen him play all four infield spots, has shown good defensive skills and has made some spectacular plays as well, good range and decent arm wherever he plays. Offensively has shown some pop, will generally give a good plate appearance each time, battles and has delivered some key hits. He will surprise you with his power, we’ve seen him turn pitches around quickly and deep beyond the fences. Plays hard and smart baseball, knows how to win.
Catcher Luis Caicuto - 22 years old - selected in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks - was signed by Arizona on 7/2/19 from Lecheria, Venezuela - he began the 2024 campaign as the primary catcher with Low A Clearwater before being promoted to High A Jersey Shore on 6/11/24. Defensively he’s well rounded and has displayed a quick release and strong accurate arm. He’s shown coaches a great work ethic and always brings energy to the field. Luis played for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League this winter.
OF Eduardo Lopez - 22 years old - from Tamboril, Dominican Republic - taken in minor league rule 5 draft from Red Sox - signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent 7/2/18 - switch hitter - right handed thrower - played at the High A level in 2024 for Greenville in the South Atlantic League. Lopez posted a .232/.343/.425 slash line with 11 doubles, 3 triples, 6 home runs and 23 RBIs in 213 plate appearances in 2024. It was his second consecutive season at the High A level - he posted a .356 OBP in 2023 in 315 plate appearances. He’s had issues with injuries over his career and missing games as a result, was a top international signing in 2018 as the Red Sox paid him a $1.15 signing bonus. He can play all three outfield positions. Will likely battle in ST to earn a AA or High A roster spot.
OF Dylan Campbell - 22 years old - acquired in trade with Dodgers - hit .251/.331/.372 in 493 plate appearances at the High A level last summer with 21 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 53 RBIs and 42 stolen bases. He walked in 50 plate appearances and struck out 110 times. He’s 22 years old (will be 23 in July) and likely will be in the competition for an outfield spot with AA Reading this coming spring.
Pitchers :
RH Nelson Alvarez - 26 years old - acquired in trade with Tampa Bay Rays 8/6/24 for cash considerations - was the New York Yankees 2019 13th round draft selection - University of South Florida - pitched in 11 games (15.1 IP) with Reading recording a 1.76 ERA with 21 K’s and 7 walks - was promoted to Lehigh Valley on 9/19/24 and appeared in one game striking out the side in a perfect inning. Overall for the 2024 season including his time with the Rays AA and AAA affiliates he appeared in 39 games (51.2 IP) with a 3.48 ERA notching 62 K’s while walking 29. He features a fastball/sinker (93 to 96 mph), slider, cutter and curve. Was a minor league rule 5 selection by Tampa from the Yankees in December of 2022. Has battled control issues at times - is a strikeout pitcher.
RH Jaydenn Estanista - 23 years old - fast ball range of 93 to 96 mph and touches 97 mph - features a four seamer, slider, cutter and curve. Jaydenn has always been a pleasant young man to chat with - he had a solid 2024 season - as a reliever pitched in 31 games combined for Clearwater and Jersey Shore, was promoted to JS on 6/20/24. In 53.2 IP he recorded a 3.52 ERA (3.18 in JS in 22.2 IP with 27 K’s and 10 walks) and struck out 71 batters while walking 31. He posted three saves in three opportunities with the BlueClaws. It was a nice bounce back year after having some struggles in 2023.
Mitch Neunborn - 27 years old - signed as an international free agent - 6/5/23 - born in Johannesburg, South Africa - pitched internationally in the Australian Baseball League - features three pitches, a fastball (92 to 95 mph), slider and split finger change up. Throws his splitter with a Vulcan grip between his ring and index finger, creates good deception, reduction in velocity and downward movement, will throw it often and for strikes. Began 2024 with Reading, was transferred to Jersey Shore on 6/1/24 where he became part of the starting rotation - returned to Reading on 9/12/24. At Jersey Shore he was 5-5 in 14 games (all starts) accumulating 67.2 IP and posting a 2.39 ERA with 70 K’s and 24 walks. At Reading he was 2-1 in 15 games (one start) in 23.2 IP with a 5.32 ERA - 26 K’s and 18 walks. Overall he pitched in 29 games (91.1 IP) with 96 K’s and 42 walks - a 3.15 ERA.
Mitch has also been a previous standout for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League putting up stellar numbers out of the bullpen in the 2022-2023 season for the league champions. He has been used as both a starter and bulk reliever, his repertoire of pitches and command enable him to throw multiple innings.
RH Josh Hejka - 27 years old - acquired from Mets for cash considerations 2/5/25 - was signed by the Mets on 6/27/19 as an un-drafted free agent from Johns Hopkins University. He pitched last season at three levels - at High A he posted a 1.22 ERA in 22 games (35.2 IP), moved up to the AA level on 7/1/24 and appeared in 14 games with Binghamton recording a 6.30 ERA in 20 IP - he was moved to the AAA level on 9/6/24 and appeared in two games. It was a comeback season for Heika as he had missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. He’s a side armer with an upper eighties arsenal with the slider being his out pitch. “Throughout his time with the Mets’ organization, Hejka’s fully embraced the analytical movement. He’s worked with several third-party organizations, such as Driveline, to fully optimize his unique delivery. He features a sinker, rising slider and cutter.” - Mets Minors dot net Over his four year minor league career he’s appeared in 126 games and has a 3.73 ERA with 12 saves in 193 IP. I saw him pitch in live BP last week - extreme sidearm - Quisenberry like - interesting movement on pitches.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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