Asche Promoted to the Bigs, Young's Future in Question

Cody Asche with Reading in 2012

Prior to the start of the Phillies' home series against San Francisco on Tuesday, the Phils announced the promotion of fast rising prospect Cody Asche. The 23-year-old third baseman was the Phillies' 4th round draft choice out of the University of Nebraska in 2011 and has been on the ascent through the minors ever since.

Through 104 games with the IronPgs this season, Asche, who represented Lehigh Valley in the Triple-A All-Star Game earlier this month, is batting .295 with 15 home runs and 68 RBI. Last year, the six-foot-one 180-pounder posted a .324 average with 12 home runs and 72 RBI in 130 combined games with Class A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading. In his draft year, the lefty batting youngster broke into the pro ranks with short-season A level Williamsport as a second baseman, although Asche played third base throughout college.

It's unclear exactly how much playing time Asche could get with the Phillies, as the team still has seven-time All-Star Michael Young on its roster, although trade rumors related to Young have been a hot topic around baseball of late. The 36-year-old Young is batting .277 with seven home runs and 32 RBI this season for the Phils. 

To hear the latest PhoulBallz Podcast, which features Cody Asche as a special call-in guest talking about his progress, his future and his baseball card collection as a kid, click HERE.