2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #23 LHP Tyler Gilbert

Tyler Gilbert with Reading in 2018, image- Jay Floyd

Left-handed reliever Tyler Gilbert took strides in the minors last year and proved to be a reliable prospect ready to take on big challenges.

A 6th round draft choice in 2015, Gilbert swiftly debuted with short-season Class A Williamsport as a starter. The University of Southern California product would post a 4-3 record with an impressive 2.79 ERA and a 9.4 K/9 mark in 10 appearances (eight starts).

That year in his junior season with the Trojans, Gilbert posted a 5-2 record with two saves and a 2.79 ERA in 22 appearances (six starts).

In 2016, his first full professional season, Gilbert moved up to Class A Lakewood, pitching the complete campaign as a starter. In 23 games, the California native had a 7-9 record with a 3.98 ERA, a .264 batting average against and a 7.3 K/9.

The following season saw Gilbert moved to the bullpen where, with Class A Advanced Clearwater, he notched a 1-6 record with three saves, a 2.95 ERA, a .271 BAA and a 7.7 K/9 mark in 35 games for the Threshers.

Gilbert opened last season with Double-A Reading, where he tallied a 4-1 record with a pair of saves, a 2.86 ERA, a .208 batting average against and a 10.6 K/9 mark in 23 contests. That effort earned him a promotion by late June to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he would continue his success. In 25 regular season outings there, the six-foot-three 190-pounder sported a 3-1 record with three saves, a 3.63 ERA, a .214 BAA along with a 7.3 K/9 mark.

In 13 appearances in the Dominican Winter League following last season, the 25-year-old posted a 3.68 ERA with no decisions, a .294 batting average against and nine strike outs over 7 1/3 innings. Used primarily as a lefty specialist with the Tigres, Gilbert enjoyed the success and feels that exposure to the league was beneficial to his progress.

Coaches like the way Gilbert, a strike thrower, challenges the opposition.

A cutter that he added, taught to him by teammate Seth McGarry in late 2017, has helped Gilbert excel. His repertoire also features a low-90's fastball, a curveball that touts nice movement and a change up.

Gilbert will be in big league spring training this year as a non-roster invitee. I would expect him to open the season back in Triple-A with the IronPigs, but if he continues to be a key part of the bullpen there, he could be one of the first guys called upon if the Phillies have a need for a lefty reliever at the top level.

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