IronPigs Notes: Bush Opts Out, Mitchell Injured

Reports out of Allentown on Monday night, following Lehigh Valley's rain out against Pawtucket, said that righty hurler Dave Bush has opted out of his contract with the Phillies and is headed to Korea to pitch.

Through 11 starts this season, Bush had posted a 4-3 record with a 3.16 ERA. Bush, a graduate of Conestoga High School, in PA, has pitched in the big leagues with Toronto, Milwaukee and Texas. The 32-year-old stood a fair chance at being called upon if any further injuries occurred to the Phils' starting rotation.

In other IronPigs news, outfielder Derrick Mitchell is sidelined with a broken right hand after he was hit by a pitch from Pawtucket's Garret Mock on Sunday night. The 25-year-old Mitchell, a 23rd round draft selection in 2005 by the Phillies, was fresh off an 8 RBI day after he drove in 4 runs in each game of Saturday's double header.

Right-handed pitcher J.C. Ramirez was promoted from Double-A Reading to Lehigh Valley on Monday. Converted this season from a starter to a reliever, Ramirez has posted a 0-2 record with 3 saves and a 3.62 ERA in 16 outings this season. Ramirez's strike out to walk ratio (18:14) certainly could use some improvement, but now he'll get to work on that with well-praised pitching coach Rod Nichols. The 23-year-old was acquired from Seattle as part of the December, 2009 Cliff Lee trade.

It is unclear if Ramirez will return to a starting role and fill the void left by Bush, but it is not likely.

Outfielder Domonic Brown has posted a .361 batting average with a double and 2 HR in his last 9 games for Lehigh Valley. The current hot streak has raised Brown's season average from .231 to .264.

And lastly, utility man Michael Martinez, who has been on the disabled list for the entire season thus far with a right foot injury, will be activated and added to the IronPigs' roster. Martinez had played in 4 rehab games for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Thresher over the past several days. In those games, Martinez went 5-for-15 (.333 avg) with a double and 2 RBI.

_______________________________________________________

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Comments

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly. On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne. The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska. In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be. He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line. And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line. He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog