Altherr makes big league debut

Aaron Altherr, Image- Jay Floyd

Called into action due to Tony Gwynn Jr. being placed on the bereavement list after his father Tony Gwynn Sr. passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, outfielder Aaron Altherr made his major league debut on Monday.

In his first opportunity to step to the plate in the bigs, the talented righty batter, appearing as a pinch hitter, lofted a fly out with a runner on second base to end the top of the 12th inning for the Phillies, who were locked in a 1-1 tie with the Braves in Atlanta.


Altherr, the Phils' 9th round draft choice in 2009, had been scorching hot of late, tallying a .392 average with five doubles, a triple, a home run and nine RBI in 13 games this month for Double-A Reading.

Overall in 59 minor league games this season, Altherr, who opened his 2014 campaign on the disabled list with a wrist injury, posted a .246 average with four homers and 23 RBI while swiping six bags in nine attempts.

The 23-year-old outfielder entered this season ranked as the number 13 prospect in the Phillies' system according to PhilliesNation.com. 

The Phillies went on to down the Braves 6-1 in 13 innings.