Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors.
After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings.
The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH.
Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curveball and change up are mixed in less frequently than his earlier years in as a pro.
Reading's regular season schedule wraps up in a couple weeks on September 17th. Pipkin plans to take a non-baseball detour to attend his sister's wedding before heading off to join the Scottsdale Scorpions, as the AFL season is slated to get underway on October 2nd.
The Arizona Fall League regularly features many prospects that are on the verge of reaching the big leagues, so it will be a perfect opportunity for Pipkin to prove if he is one of those top performers and truly ready to compete at the top levels of the sport.
Pipkin is under contact with the Phillies through next season.
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