Can Top Prospects Help Solve Philadelphia Phillies Disaster?
There's another National League pennant up for grabs for the 2023 MLB season. The Philadelphia Phillies, they're not looking primed for a repeat. They sit 22-24 and are fourth in the National League East. They do not exactly look like a World Series contender.
It also seems pretty clear they're going to need to wheel and deal with some reinforcements at the MLB trade deadline.
There aren't many Major League-ready prospects in the Philadelphia farm system. Some mentioned below could be used for trading chips come July. But some of them might be useful for injuries that pop up. More likely, some of these players will be part of a potential big shakeup.
Pitching Assistance
Philadelphia's pitching rotation doesn't have a number five. Optioning Bailey Falter back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley leaves the last spot in the starting rotation open.
Mick Abel, the number two prospect, is doing well down with the Double-A Reading Fighting Phils. Granted, his worst start was back on May 12 when he allowed a concerning nine runs in 3.2 innings. His ERA currently stands at 4.50 but it's inflated by his one bad start.
In his most recent start last weekend, he went five strong, allowing no runs and just two hits. Abel is due to move up to Triple-A Lehigh and would be a solid addition to the Phillies' rotation if no other candidate for the fifth starter comes up.
Griff McGarry is slowly getting back into the groove at Reading. Granted, McGarry has yet to pitch into the fourth inning. But he's allowed just two runs in 5.2 total frames so far. The right-hander has an ERA of 3.18. McGarry could be considered one of the better pitching prospects in the game as well. He’s flirted with 100-mph in the past and was up to 99 mph at the upper levels in 2022, averaging over 95-mph. If the Phillies want to build a playoff rotation, he could be in consideration.
Helping Out in the Outfield
Philly's outfield, specifically left field, needs a bit of help. Kyle Schwarber is not the left fielder that the Phillies need (or want) to put in the position. As of now, Philadelphia doesn't have anyone right now that could fill that spot but desperate times could call for desperate measures.
Justin Crawford is doing well at Single-A Clearwater. He's hitting .317 and had a game where he stole three bases on May 13. He's a kid at just 19 years old so the likelihood he's played in Philadelphia in 2023 is slim. However, given the lack of depth and success for left field, he could be a long shot to at least play fill in for a game.
Simon Muzziotti out at Lehigh is more likely to see a Major League ballpark this season. He's prepped himself the best he could. In Triple-A this season the left-handed outfielder has hit .365 with three homers and 22 RBI. That's just in his first 40 games. He also has 10 stolen bases and as luck would have it, has played left field most of the 2023 season. If a roster spot opens up for the Phillies, expect to see him a candidate for it.
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