10/22/26 : Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes - Pitchers - Part Four
This Phillies off-season I continue the series “Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes” with profiles presented in groupings by defensive positions for the players who were still part of the minor league player development program at season’s end. The notes will reflect statistics, my thoughts on each player and input from them and others as I have it. They are presented in order by position and then alphabet in groupings of five players per article. Starting with pitchers here is part four highlighting the following :
Moises Chace
Ethan Chenault
Patrick Clemmey
Manuel Colon
Aaron Combs
RH Moises Chace - 23 years old (24 on 6/9/27) - acquired in trade with Orioles 7/30/24 - originally signed by Orioles 7/2/19 - Venezuela
2026 Stats : missed the entire season rehabbing at the complex from TJ surgery - hasn’t pitched in an official game since 5/14/25. Has progressed to a throwing program.
2026 Notes : was placed on the 40 man roster on 11/19/24 to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. When he’s healthy has dynamic stuff. He was originally signed as an international free agent by the Orioles from La Guaira, Venezuela - was acquired by the Phillies along with RHP Seth Johnson in the Gregory Soto (LHP) trade. I remember a game he pitched for Reading on 8/31/24 against Somerset that was epic - he dominated a lineup that included rehabbing major leaguer Jon Berti - in that game Chace retired 18 of the 19 hitters he faced and the last 16 hitters he faced in a row (11 by strikeout) and struck out the side in both the second and fourth innings - the only hit he allowed was a first inning single (he struck out the side that inning also) - in total he pitched six innings in the contest allowing no runs on one hit, walked none and struck out 13 batters! He threw 81 pitches - 57 of which were strikes (71 %). It was one of the most dominant minor league performances you will ever witness. Players I talked to that were at the game were in awe of how good he was in the contest.
2027 Outlook : hopefully returns to game action at some point during the season.
RH Ethan Chenault - 25 years old (26 on 3/28/27) - drafted in 18th round of the 2024 draft from UNC Wilmington
2026 Stats : missed the entire season rehabbing at the complex from TJ surgery - hasn’t pitched in an official game since 7/5/25. Has progressed thru a throwing program and is ready to go in spring camp.
2026 Notes : when he’s healthy features a fastball (93 to 96 mph), curve, cutter and change-up. His curve ball is an out maker and go-to pitch. Big and athletic frame at 6’5”.
Ethan’s rehab update : “I had two good live at bat sessions before leaving Florida and will stay in PT while I’m home. I will go back in January to finish my progression and then am fully healthy and good to go by spring training. I feel great and excited for a good off season!”
2027 Outlook : returns to game action at some point during the season.
LH Patrick Clemmey - 19 years old (20 on 3/22/27) - 2026 14th round draft pick - Avon Old Farms HS, Avon, CT
2026 Stats : did not pitch in a game after signing, instead worked at the complex in “draft camp” learning the regimen of pro baseball life and working on skills, strength and conditioning along with mental skills.
2026 Notes : “Clemmey’s path to professional baseball included a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery, which kept him away from the mound for two seasons. He returned during his senior year at Bishop Hendricken and quickly established himself as one of Rhode Island’s top pitchers. After graduating in 2025, he completed a postgraduate year at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut. The 6-foot-5 left-hander impressed Phillies scouts with a fastball reaching 94 to 95 miles per hour and a strong breaking ball. He also participated in a workout at Citizens Bank Park before the draft. Patrick joins his older brother, Alex Clemmey ’23, in professional baseball. Alex was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft and currently pitches in the Washington Nationals organization.” - 8/5/26 article by. Michael Cantone - Bishop Hendricken High School
2027 Outlook : given his age could start the year in extended spring camp and then the FCL however with a good spring camp could push for a Clearwater opening roster assignment.
RH Manuel Colon - 19 years old (20 on 12/24/26) - acquired in trade 8/3/26 with Kansas City for RHP Nolan Hoffman - originally signed by the Royals 2/27/24 - Dominican Republic
2026 Stats : made eight appearances with Clearwater in the regular season - 10.13 ERA in 8 IP, 9 K’s, 8 BB. Made 20 appearances with the Royals Arizona Complex League team - 5.60 ERA in 27.1 IP with 36 K’s and 11 BB then had two appearances at Low A Columbus in the Carolina League - 2 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 1 K, 2 BB. Had a stellar 2025 season in the DSL recording a 1.26 ERA in 11 games (28.2 IP) with 35 K’s & 7 BB.
2026 Notes : “Colon has big arm speed, a compact/deceptive arm action, mid-90s heat, and two secondary pitches flashing plus or better. The arm talent is undeniable. Colon pumps mid-90s heat with ease and topped out at 97. The fastball has cut life and jumps out of his hand; it got a lot of uncomfortable swing/miss up in the zone and is especially hard on LHH, boring in on their hands. The slider is his top secondary, featuring deep/tight depth and tilt; Colon has some feel to land in zone and pitch backwards with it. The power changeup (88-90) was less consistent but flashed deep/late splitter-esq dive and really fell off the table. The mechanics are sound: good balance and easy finish. The amount of velo he generates with a loose/easy arm action is very impressive.” - 7/5/26 notes from complex-baseball dot com after watching Colon pitch in the AZL.
2027 Outlook : needs to throw strikes - that will likely determine whether he returns to Clearwater out of Spring Camp or starts the year in extended spring training.
RH Aaron Combs - 24 years old (25 on 12/28/26) - acquired in trade with White Sox 1/1/25 for LHP Tyler Gilbert - was the White Sox 2024 8th round draft pick - University of Tennessee
2026 Stats : began the year with Jersey Shore making three scoreless appearances (3.1 IP) striking out six, allowing one hit and one walk. Promoted to Reading 4/21 - made 33 appearances - 5.06 ERA in 37.1 IP, 45 K’s, 19 BB. Had two stints on the IL (8/4 to 8/16 & 9/13 to 9/27).
2026 Notes : Aaron grew up in Sarasota, Florida and played High School baseball at two prestigious programs, the Inspiration Academy and IMG. He transferred to IMG for his senior year. He played club baseball for FTB-Gulf Coast, FTB-Tucci and Beast Mode Prime. In In his last appearance at Tennessee he recorded the final out to clinch the 2024 NCAA championship. It was the first National Baseball championship in the history of the program. He throws from a slightly lower than 3/4 arm slot and generally sits in the 91-94 mph range with his fastball - secondaries are a slider, change-up, cutter and curve. Has a great outlook and personality - a winner’s attitude who’s been part of multiple successful teams.
Aaron’s thoughts on the difference in High A to AA : “From my experience and what I’ve heard from other people the move to AA is a difficult one. I noticed the biggest difference in talent of the hitters and specifically how they control the zone.”
2027 Outlook : likely returns to Reading to open the season.
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