Minor League Games - August 3rd, 2022

Squire 2022-08-03 13:28:19 UTC #1

AAA: Syracuse at Lehigh Valley (TBD) - 7:05PM
AA: Hartford at Reading (RHP Mike Adams) - 7:00PM
High A: Hudson Valley at Jersey Shore (LHP Rafael Marcano) - 11:05AM
Low A: Clearwater (RHP Starlyn Castillo) at Tampa - 4:00PM
Low A: Clearwater (LHP Gabriel Cotto) at Tampa - Game 2
FCL: Off
DSL: DSL Phillies Red (TBD) v. DSL Reds - 11:00AM

Rolling Scores Here - https://www.milb.com/scores/philadelphia-phillies/2022-08-03

Rolling Boxes Here - https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=143&date=08/03/2022

Austinfan 2022-08-03 14:41:16 UTC #2

Guy to watch down the stretch is Guthrie with Lehigh.
Seems to be a late bloomer, but I think that's a COVID effect to some extent (and something a smart organization will take into account when raiding other teams' farm systems).
Although he's 26, he's only had 1300 PA in 5 seasons, so he's missed over a full season since leaving college.
Split last year between Reading and Lehigh and improved after being promoted.
Has taken another step this season, ISO is climbing from .101 to .120 to .121 to .146 to .173 over five seasons.
So for a little guy he's developed some pop.

Has played 2B, SS, 3B and CF, has good speed.
Needs to work on his plate discipline, but potential solid bench player if he finishes strong.

Squire 2022-08-03 23:50:31 UTC #3

After his 4 hit debut last night, Rickets is 2-2 with a HR so far tonight

phillychuck 2022-08-04 01:28:13 UTC #4

Bring him up. He clearly has nothing to learn in the minors.

Rojas 3/5 and a HR away from the cycle. Should not get another AB.

Plassmeyer with a career best start for LV. 7 IP, no runs, 11 Ks, no walks.

andyb 2022-08-04 15:38:45 UTC #5

I am wondering if he is an underrated prospect. Came over from the Giants for Austin Wynns (backup catcher) who had no role for us but the Giants had a major league roster need. He passed through Tampa also on the way to the Giants organization so our new assistant GM might have pushed for him.

Austinfan 2022-08-04 15:43:38 UTC #6

He's a junk balling LH
Fangraph write up when he was with SF:

Michael Plassmeyer, SP
Drafted: 4th Round, 2018 from Missouri (SEA)
Age 25.2 Height 6′ 2″ Weight 192 Bat / Thr L / L FV 35+
Tool Grades (Present/Future)
Fastball Curveball Changeup Cutter Command Sits/Tops
30/30 45/45 50/55 40/45 55/60 87-91 / 93

Plassmeyer is already on his third organization and nothing has changed about his scouting profile as a low-ceiling extreme strike thrower with sub-standard stuff. His 89-91 mph fastball features a bit of sink, and while he’s tried to cover the heater by adding a cutter to his profile, it’s yet to develop into a true weapon. His slider and changeup both fall into the average bucket, but what makes Plassmeyer stand out is his ability to throw strikes, as evidenced by a career professional walk rate under 5%. He not only fills the box but locates within it as well, which allows everything to play up a bit. Every system has one or two of these guys and only one or two out of that entire pool end up being precise enough to survive in the big leagues.

andyb 2022-08-04 16:04:18 UTC #7

None of that means he couldn't be a poor man's Cole Irvin however. He came basically free, and lefties with great command and several different speeds can be successful. Just someone to watch even though he'll never be a top prospect.

phillychuck 2022-08-04 16:28:39 UTC #8

If he tops at 93 that's about 5 mph faster than Jaime Moyers fastest pitch, like ever.

Austinfan 2022-08-04 16:38:08 UTC #9

I think the key to his success is developing the changeup - a plus changeup adds 2-3 MPH to perceived velocity b/c the hitter has it in the back of his mind, causing that 1/2 second hesitation. And a changeup with a good tail away from RH hitters is a big plus for a LH pitcher.

The cutter is also a key pitch, when you have subpar velocity, movement and subtly changing speeds keeps hitters from keying off your FB.

Seems he has top command, so if he keeps developing the change and cutter, he has a shot at a back of the rotation spot.

Smyly is a good example of a similar LH who built a career as a back of the rotation guy, Smyly added a MPH or two in his late 20s as he physically matured, but is basically a 3 pitch guy, FB, Curve, Cutter.