Phillies vs Pirates @ Bradenton @ 1:05 PM
Lineup :
Johan Rojas DH
Kody Clemens 5
Edmundo Sosa 6
Garrett Stubbs 2
Cal Stevenson 8
Otto Kemp 3
Gabriel Rincones Jr 9
Matt Kroon 7
Rafael Lantigua 4
Christopher Sanchez LHP
Minor League Call-Ups : - note that these players are reserves (may not play)
Pitchers : Konnor Ash, Trey Dillard, Daniel Harper, Chuck King
Catchers : Eduardo Tait
Infielders : Keaton Anthony, Trent Farquhar, Carson DeMartini, Robert Moore, Erick Brito
Outfielders : Ethan Wilson, Elio Prado, Leandro Pineda, Marcus Lee Sang
Notes on today’s minor league callups :
Catcher Eduardo Tait - 18 years old, won’t turn 19 till August - signed as an international free agent 1/15/23 from Panama City, Panama. Has shown that he’s an outstanding hitter, big power, quick hands, eye hand coordination, bat to ball skills, plate discipline - it’s all there. Started the 2024 season with the FCL Phillies - was promoted to Clearwater on 7/23/24 - as a left handed bat he hit a combined .302/.356/.486 in 326 plate appearances with 18 doubles, 11 home runs and 73 RBIs (2nd most in the entire minor league organization in far less games). Scouts marvel at his offensive skills. Defensively has a very strong and accurate throwing arm, is a sponge for knowledge on how to improve and learns quickly. Shows a great passion for playing and wanting to continually get better at his craft. He may battle body weight a bit but as a teenager is still long removed from growing into his full frame and composure. A great personality as well - has a real chance of becoming a special player. Likely returns to Clearwater to begin 2025 as the primary catcher.
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 Keaton Anthony - 23 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent on 7/18/23 - University of Iowa - winner of the 2024 minor league gold glove for first basemen - began the year with the Low A level Clearwater Threshers and was a key contributor to the team’s Florida State League first half championship run, he posted a .322/.446/.470 slash line in 44 games and a .916 OPS in 186 plate appearances with 10 doubles, 4 home runs and 21 RBIs drawing an equal amount of walks and strikeouts (28). On June 25th he was promoted to High A level Jersey Shore where he continued to rake - in 53 games (232 plate appearances) he had a .356/.418/.483 slash line with a .901 OPS - 10 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 45 RBIs with 21 walks and 34 strikeouts. He was promoted to AA level Reading on 9/6/24 to finish the 2024 season. Overall he hit .327/.414/.454 in 444 plate appearances with 20 doubles, 8 home runs and 67 RBIs - drew 50 walks and struck out just 68 times.
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 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.
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.
OF Ethan Wilson - 25 years old - 2021 2nd round draft pick - University of South Alabama - began the ‘24 season on the IL due to a medical procedure - was activated 4/25/24 by Reading after rehabbing at the Complex in Clearwater. Struggled to get on track during the summer but picked it up in August posting a .270/.329/.619 slash line with 6 home runs in 63 AB’s. Was transferred to AAA Lehigh Valley on 9/17/24 and played in five games for the IronPigs. Ethan is a hard worker, is an adequate defensive outfielder, has played both corners - lacks foot speed and is more suited to left field due to arm strength. He’s got the ability to drive the ball out of the yard - needs to establish consistency and put the ball in play more - when he barrels it the ball is generally hit hard.
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.
OF Elio Prado - 23 years old - selected in the 2024 minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft from the Baltimore Orioles organization - is from Caracas, Venezuela - signed by the Boston Red Sox on 7/2/18 as an international free agent - was traded to the Orioles on 7/13/19 - played last season for High A Aberdeen - .223/.332/.327 slash line in 305 plate appearances with 11 doubles, 4 home runs and 31 RBIs - it was his second year at High A - has played mostly center field but has seen time in both corners as well. Is noted as a good defender, athletic with above average speed - known for his energy, enthusiasm and love of playing the game.
OF/1B Leandro Pineda - 22 years old - signed as an international free agent 7/6/18 - Valencia, Venezuela - added first base to his defensive repertoire this past season although most likely continues to see the majority of his time as a corner outfielder - played at Jersey Shore and Reading (promoted 7/16/24) in 2024 and posted very respectable numbers - .260/.331/.413 in 375 plate appearances with 14 doubles, 11 home runs and 52 RBIs - ended the season on the IL after requiring thumb surgery but is now healthy and ready to go again for 2025 - was on the Navegantes del Magallanes roster in the Venezuela Winter League - in addition recently got married 👏. I’ve long touted his game - left handed hitter and thrower - solid corner defender with a plus arm (right-fielder’s arm strength). Angular build - 6’1” frame who just looks like a ball player - plays hard and does things right - wants to continually improve, works to do so. Leandro’s career “surface” numbers don’t jump out at you so if that’s your only perspective you might discount him however there’s genuine baseball talent. The lefty swing he possesses is pure, generates both power and speed, coupled with an ability to recognize pitches along with driving the outside pitch the other way there’s a likelihood that the numbers will be much better going forward, just saying - he can play.
Pitchers :
RH Konnor Ash - 26 years old - 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 Daniel Harper - 25 years old - 2022 17th round draft selection - University of Kentucky - pitched at two levels in 2024 - began the year with Jersey Shore - promoted to Reading on 6/25/24 - appeared in a total of 44 games (51 IP) posting a 2.82 ERA with 61 K’s and 20 walks. Daniel’s fastball ranges from 92 to 95 mph - it has touched 98. He was a FB/Cutter closer at Kentucky, as a pro he’s incorporated a couple more pitches. Phillies Minor League Pitching Coordinator Travis Hergert told me this summer “Harper is a big arm that possesses a live fastball and hard slider. We leaned into a sinker that can show something going in to right handed hitters to open up options with the four seamer up and slider away. Along with cleaning up some ways he rotates to the plate, Harp was finally healthy and that helped his ability to bounce back from outing to outing and have his best stuff.” Daniel told me this summer that he uses a four pitch mix - “When I came to the Phillies in ‘22, I only threw a four seam and a cutter. Since then, I have added a slider as well as a sinker that opened new pitch sequences and parts of the zone that I wasn’t able to throw to before. I’m primarily throwing my four seamer, sinker, and slider but also mix in the cutter more when the situation calls for it. We always get post game reports so seeing 98 mph on there a couple of times has been awesome. In games, I try not to look at the radar gun as I just want to focus on getting the batter out. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that every now and then I will take a peak to see what I’m working with for that day.”
RH Chuck King - 27 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 2/6/24 - Texas Christian University - The 6’6” right hander pitched collegiately at TCU from 2017 to 2021 accumulating a 16-12 record in 78 appearances (22 starts) with a 3.93 ERA in 254.1 IP. King posted 186 strikeouts and 58 walks with a 1.337 WHIP. After his time at TCU he became a Sports Science Intern with the San Diego Padres and then moved into a full time role in the organization in November of 2022 as a Performance Analyst. Chuck continued to train as a pitcher after his collegiate career ended and on 1/28/24 performed for scouts in a pro day at Driveline Baseball. He showed a slider (85-86 mph range), a splitter (85-87 mph) and a fastball (sat 96-97 mph - reached 98 mph). On 2/2/24 he signed a minor league contract with the Phillies! Chuck started 2024 with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws - he went on the IL on 6/10/24 and spent time in Clearwater at the complex with the rehab team, he was sent on rehab assignments with the FCL Phillies and Clearwater Threshers and returned to Jersey Shore on 7/23/24 - was promoted to Reading on 9/11/24 where he pitched in one game (1.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K). His overall numbers for the season - 34 appearances (41.1 IP), 3.92 ERA, 7 holds, 2 saves in 3 chances, 45 K’s, 16 walks.
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.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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