Catching prospect Marchan makes big league debut

Rafael Marchan, image- Jay Floyd

With an injury to J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies were forced to call up a promising young prospect to fill a void on the big league roster.  

In his big league debut on Monday at Miami, Rafael Marchan went 1-for-3, as he singled in his first at bat to notch his first hit in the majors.

Marchan, 21, was ranked at the Phils' number 16 prospect heading into the 2020 season.   

Signed in the same off-season that the Phils dished out a $4 million signing bonus to outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz, Marchan inked a deal for a reported bargain price of $200,000, as a 16-year-old in 2015.

Last year, Marchan, a native of Venezuela, played much of the season with Class A Lakewood.  In 63 games, he tallied a .271 batting average with 16 doubles and 20 RBI.  He would miss a few weeks with an injury in May, but bounced back to complete the season, earning a promotion to Class A Advanced Clearwater at the end of July.

Wrapping up his 2019 campaign as a member of the Threshers, the switch-hitting Marchan posted a .231 batting average with four doubles and three RBI in 22 games. 

Coaches feel Marchan's defense is a major key to his game.  He's known for his strong arm and quick release behind the dish.  His upside is a big reason that Phillies were comfortable removing Deivi Grullon from their 40-man roster and letting him go to the Red Sox for nothing when they claimed him off waivers.  

Realmuto is sidelined with an upper leg/hip issue.  The 29-year-old told media members that he felt a pop and clicking in the area while running late in the Phils' game on Saturday.