Lakewood's Watson Shut Down For Season

Last year's top Phillies draft pick Shane Watson has been sidelined with shoulder issues since early July. Following an MRI this past week, the Phils have shut down the righty hurler, who turns 20-years-old on Tuesday.

Initially, the time off was prescribed for the Class A Lakewood hurler without an MRI when the he was experiencing shoulder fatigue, following his July 4th start against Greensboro. Now, after having a complete exam and being diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, the six-foot-four 200-pounder will continue to rehab at the Phillies' spring training facility in Clearwater, FL until the fall instructional league begins in September. Plans are for Watson to take part in "instructs" as an active pitcher, to make up for some innings he'll have missed this season.

Watson is not discouraged by the manner in which his season ended, despite having hoped for another crack at South Atlantic League competition this year.

"I'm not disappointed. I'm really excited to come back stronger than when I left," Watson said on Sunday.

In 16 starts for the BlueClaws this year, Watson, who was selected 40th overall in the 2012 MLB amateur draft, sported a 4-6 record with a 4.75 ERA and a .230 batting average against.

Improvements were made over the course of his abbreviated season, as the youngster who had a 5.25 ERA in his first 11 starts, wrapped up his 2013 campaign with a 3.62 ERA over what ended up being his final five outings.

Comments

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

PhoulBallz Interview: Lakewood hitting coach Nelson Prada

Nelson Prada, image- Jay Floyd Last week, I sat down to chat with the hitting coach for the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws Nelson Prada about much of his team's lineup. Key topics included second baseman and lead-off hitter Daniel Brito, the South Atlantic League's RBI leader first baseman and designated hitter Darick Hall and last year's first overall draft pick outfielder Mickey Moniak, among others. The BlueClaws were in the midst of a four-game win streak to start the month and had just beaten division rival Greensboro in walk-off fashion at the time of this discussion. Read ahead for the full interview. -Huge win. Brito with a big hit there to win it. He's had some ups and downs this year. Can you talk about Brito a bit? Yeah, I mean, we've been working with Brito honestly to hit the ball the opposite field and he's been pulling some balls through the year. Even Hagerstown, they shift him sometimes, which is something that's not good for hi...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog