I’ve entitled this series “Annual Phillies Minor League Player Notes” and will break down the presentations into defensive categories. I intend to offer notes on every player I watched perform this past season that finished the 2022 season with the organization.
The initial set of articles was on catchers - we chatted about 18 receivers and posted three articles. The next group was on Infielders - we chronicled 40 different players broken down into five postings. The third series of articles ( a total of five ) were on 36 outfielders. I will list below the article links to each of the group notes previously published if ya missed them.
The next group of articles is Pitchers - I’ll discuss 133 different hurlers broken down into twenty postings ( alphabetical order ) hopefully finishing before Christmas :
Group One : Mick Abel, Jose Acuna, Mike Adams, Samuel Aldegheri, Aidan Anderson, Chase Antle, Mark Appel - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-28-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-one
Group Two : Erubiel Armenta, Konnor Ash, Andrew Baker, Albertus Barber, Carlos Betancourt, Trevor Bettencourt, Malik Binns - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-29-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-two
Group Three : Josh Bortka, Andrew Brown, Blake Brown, Jean Cabrera, Eiberson Castellano, Starlyn Castillo, Joel Cesar - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-30-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-three
Group Four : Edward Chirinos, Ty Collins, Gabriel Cotto, Hans Crouse, Jack Dallas, Chris Devenski, Nick Duron - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-1-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-four
Group Five : Colton Eastman, Kent Emmanuel, Jaydenn Estanista, Braeden Fausnaught, Jordan Fowler, Carlos Francisco, Jace Fry - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-2-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-five
Group Six : Alex Garbrick, Eric Garcia, Tristan Garnett, Drew Garrett, Maikel Garrido, Jeffrey German, Kyle Glogoski - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-3-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-six
Group Seven : Ofreidy Gomez, Luis Gonzalez, Mavis Graves, Daniel Harper, Buddy Hayward, Josh Hendrickson, Jonh Henriquez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-5-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-seven
Group Eighth : Jonathan Hennigan, Cristian Hernandez, Jakob Hernandez, Maxwell Hernandez, Jonathan Hughes, Sam Jacobsak, Estibenzon Jimenez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/12-6-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-pitchers-part-eight
Group Nine : Damon Jones, Nathan Karaffa, Orion Kettering, Michael Kelly, Keylan Kilgore, Taylor Lehman, Adam Leverett
Group Ten : Ethan Lindow, Victor Lopez, Fernando Lozano, Alex McFarlane, Rafael Marcano, Brian Marconi, Jordi Martinez
Group Eleven : James Marvel, Gunner Mayer, James McArthur, Tommy McCollum, Griff McGarry, Christian McGowan, Tyler McKay
Group Twelve : Jake McKenna, Alex McKenney, Oswald Medina, Daniel Mejia, Jhordany Mezquita, Erik Miller, McKinley Moore
Group Thirteen : Francisco Morales, Vinny Nittoli, Braedon Ogle, Matt Osterberg, Micah Ottenbreit, Andrew Painter, Jose Pena Jr
Group Fourteen : Jack Perkins, Jonathan Petit, Tyler Phillips, Nicoly Pina, Dominic Pipkin, Michael Plassmeyer, Danyony Pulido
Group Fifteen : Jesus Querales, Alex Rao, Carlos Reyes, Pedro Reyes, Mason Ronan, Jason Ruffcorn
Group Sixteen : Matt Russell, Christopher Sanchez, Rodolfo Sanchez, Andrew Schultz, Brett Schulze, Tayler Scott
Group Seventeen : Matt Seelinger, Enrique Segura, Eduar Segovia, Ryan Sherriff, Noah Skirrow, Christopher Soriano
Group Eighteen : Billy Sullivan, Tom Sutera, Manuel Urias, Wilson Valdez Jr, Spencer Van Scoyoc, Victor Vargas
Group Nineteen : Guissepe Velasquez, Ezequiel Ventura, Andrew Walling, Zach Warren, Chase Webster,Jared Wetherbee
Group Twenty : Danny Wilkinson, JP Woodward, Cam Wynne, Gabriel Yanez, Braden Zarbnisky
So we continue - the ninth article in the series on pitchers ⚾️🤓.
Thanks to Matt Winkleman ( Phillies Minor Thoughts ) for his diligent efforts in detailing most of the speed gun readings.
Damon Jones - 28 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 9/30/94 - 2017 18th round draft selection - Washington State University - This Fan’s View - spent almost the entire 2022 season in the IL with shoulder issues after having a strong big league spring training ( 6 appearances - 6 1/3 IP - 1.42 ERA - 8 K’s - 1 BB - 0.32 WHIP ) - made the opening day Phillies roster. Pitched in two early April games - optioned to Lehigh Valley in middle of the month - returned to Philly to pitch in two more at month end - then optioned back to LHV - made one appearance in May - then shut down and eventually placed on the 60 day IL. The majority of the time was working in Clearwater with the rehab team - eventually decided that medical procedure was necessary. Has major league stuff - plus slider and solid fastball - 6’5” frame extends release point - slider is a dominant weapon, swing and miss pitch - can be a key contributor in the major league bullpen when healthy. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 96 ), slider ( 77 to 84 mph ), change up ( 84 to 86 mph ) and curve ( 77 to 85 mph ). 2023 Projection - targeted return to game action in July or August
Nathan Karaffa - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 1/4/01 - 2022 20th round draft selection - Ohio State - This Fan’s View - a very athletic performer who played center field and shortstop his first two years in college before converting to a bullpen role for the 2022 season which got him drafted as a pitcher. Signed on August 1st and then placed on the 60 day IL - went into short term rehab work at the complex. Throws strikes and has good movement on pitches - 36 K’s, 14 walks at OSU in 28 1/3 IP. We introduced ourselves at the complex this fall - have no data or mound performances to report on as of yet. 2023 Projection - when given the green light likely begins in extended spring camp and FCL play.
Orion Kekering - 21 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 4/4/01 - 2022 5th round draft selection - University of South Florida - This Fan’s View - pitched in 6 games ( 1 with FCL and 5 with Clearwater Threshers ) - 7 IP - 7 K’s - 1 BB - 3.86 ERA - slider is a big spin pitch reaching top of the rung levels - will be used as a reliever with the slider being primary pitch - swing and miss capabilities. I’ve yet to see him pitch in person. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 94 to 96 mph - max 97 ), slider ( 84 to 87 mph ) and change up ( 85 to 87 mph ). 2023 Projection - an opening day backend of the pen role with either Clearwater or Jersey Shore out of spring camp.
Michael Kelly - 30 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 9/6/92 - signed as a minor league free agent 11/28/21 from Astros - This Fan’s View - had a solid spring training camp - made his major league debut in June - pitched in 4 big league games - 2.25 ERA in 4 IP - 4 K’s, 1 BB - appeared in 47 games with AAA Lehigh Valley - 5.29 ERA in 51 IP - 66 K’s - 24 walks - The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 93 to 95 mph - max 97 ), cutter ( 88 to 90 mph ), slider ( 84 to 85 mph ), change up ( 80 to 82 mph ) and curve ( 78 to 83 mph ). 2023 Projection - elected minor league free agency
Keylan Kilgore - 26 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 9/30/96 - 9/30/96 - 2018 17th round draft selection - Wichita State University - This Fan’s View - had Tommy John surgery and missed the entire ‘21 season. Spent the majority of the 2022 summer with the rehab team at the complex - occasionally stopped to chat a bit with us as he went into his work sessions - very pleasant young man - hard worker - wants to compete - Returned to game action on 8/2 with the FCL Phillies - then pitched in 5 games with Clearwater and 2 with Jersey Shore to conclude the year - accumulated a total of 10 2/3 IP - 12 K’s - 3 BB - will throw strikes and challenge hitters - knows how to pitch. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 93 mph - max 95 ), slider ( 82 to 85 mph ) and change up ( 85 to 88 mph ). - 2023 Projection - competes for a roster spot with either Jersey Shore or Reading in spring camp.
Taylor Lehman - 26 years old - LHP - Birthdate : 12/30/95 - signed as an un-drafted free agent - 6/18/18 - Penn State University - This Fan’s View - was off to a solid start to the ‘21 season appearing in five games with Reading before being placed on the injured list on June 8th - underwent Tommy John surgery later that month and spent the balance of the summer with the Clearwater Complex rehab team. Spent the majority of the 2022 summer with the rehab team at the complex - we got to chat about pitching and approaches with him on a few occasions - fun stuff. Returned to game action on July 2nd - first in the FCL - 2 games - then with Clearwater - 1 game, Jersey Shore - 3 games ( didn’t yield a run in any of the 6 contests - 6 IP ) before being promoted to Reading on 7/29 - pitched very well at Reading - 15 appearances - 3.74 ERA in 21 2/3 IP - 1.11 WHIP - 25 K’s - 7 walks - earned a spot on the Arizona Fall League contingent - pitched in 8 more games there - 11 2/3 IP. At 6’8” 240 he’s a presence on the mound - won’t generally beat himself as gets after hitters - has become a viable option in 2023 to pitch in the show with continued strong performances. Very likable chap 👍🤓. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 90 to 94 mph - max 96 ), slider ( 78 to 84 mph ), change up ( 82 to 86 mph ) and curve ( 77 to 80 mph ). 2023 Projection - will compete for a spot with Lehigh Valley in spring camp - should also see some Grapefruit League action - potential non roster invitee.
Adam Leverett - 24 years old - RHP - Birthdate : 9/19/98 - 2019 15th round draft selection - Gordon State Junior College, Georgia … This Fan’s View - had a very solid ‘21 season accumulating 85 1/3 innings at three levels ( Jersey Shore, Reading & Lehigh Valley ). In 2022 appeared in 29 games ( 11 starts ) with Reading - 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 IP - 84 K’s - 28 walks. He’s a command and control pitcher who can also produce strikeouts with a four pitch mix. He knows how to pitch and generally attacks hitters with minimal free passes. Change up is his out pitch - very deceptive with downward plane movement and tilt. Curve is a tight rotation but differentiates from slider with vertical drop. 6’4” size helps to put deliveries at an extended release point. The speed gun : fastball ( sits in a range of 91 to 94 mph - max 96 ), slider ( 80 to 83 mph ), change up ( 78 to 84 mph ) and curve ( 76 to 81 mph ). 2023 Projection - will compete for a Lehigh Valley roster spot in spring camp.
Left to right - top to bottom - Adam Leverett, Nathan Karaffa, Taylor Lehman, Damon Jones ( middle ), Keylan Kilgore, Orion Kerkering, Michael Kelly - photos by Cheryl Pursell, George Youngs Jr & Mark Wylie
Prior Reports - Catchers, Infielders & Outfielders :
Catchers :
Group 1 : Jack Conley, Arturo DeFreitas, Jordan Dissin, Vito Friscia, Herbert Iser and Ryan Leitch. - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-9-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers
Group 2 : Rafael Marchan, Nick Matera, Adony Mejia, Andrik Nava, Rickardo Perez & Jackie Pertuz - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-10-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers-part-two
Group 3 : Anthony Quirion, Caleb Ricketts, Leanardo Rondon, Donny Sands, Gustavo Sosa & Micah Yonamine - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-11-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-catchers-part-three
Infielders :
Group One : Matt Alifano, Alexeis Azuaje, Jamari Baylor, William Bergolla, Erick Brito, Johan Camargo,Ali Castillo, Chad Castillo - article posted 11/14/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-14-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-one
Group Two : Aldrem Corredor, Aroon Escobar, Diego Gonzalez, Sal Gozzo, Jonathan Guzman, Darick Hall, Lou Helmig, Otto Kemp - article posted 11/15/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-15-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-two
Group Three : Scott Kingery, Hao Yu Lee, Casey Martin, Nick Maton, Freylin Minyety, Cole Moore, Yairo Munoz, Josh Ockimey - article posted 11/16/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-16-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-three
Group Four : Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Ty Penner, Wendell Rijo, Brian Rincon, Daniel Robertson, Jehisbert Sevilla, Kendall Simmons, Marco Soto - article posted 11/17/22 - link - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-17-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-four
Group Five : Madison Stokes, McCarthy Tatum, Will Toffey, Nicolas Torres, Randy Vasquez, Kevin Vicuña, Uziel Viloria, Rixon Wingrove - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-18-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-infielders-part-five
Outfielders :
Group One : Jorge Bonifacio, Emaarion Boyd, Chris Burke, Jared Carr, Justin Crawford, Carlos De La Cruz, Jefferson Encarnacion - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-21-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-one
Group Two : Ezra Farmer, Cade Fergus, Yemal Flores, Wilfredo Flores, Jorge Garcia, Yhoswar Garcia, Dalton Guthrie, Darium Gutierrez - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-22-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-two
Group Three : Raylin Heredia, Dakota Kotowski, Matt Kroon, Marcus Lee Sang, Simon Muzziotti, Jhailyn Ortiz, Jerffson Pena - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-23-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-notes-outfielders-part-3-happy-thanksgiving-tomorrow
Group Four : Dustin Peterson, Leandro Pineda, Baron Radcliff, Felix Reyes, Gabriel Rincones Jr, Albert Rodriquez, Johan Rojas - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-25-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-four
Group Five : Ricardo Rosario, Troy Schreffler, Chris Sharpe, Gavin Tonkel, Jordan Viars, Justin Williams, Ethan Wilson - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-26-22-annual-phillies-minor-league-player-notes-outfielders-part-five
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