5/17/26 : Phillies Minor Leagues : week in review (5/11 - 5/17)

Compiled and written by Steve Potter

This week’s Spotlight Player : Victor Cardoza  - 20 years old - signed as an  international free agent - 1/15/23 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

Victor went 6 for 10 (.600) with a triple and five RBIs in three FCL games this week - he had a walk-off game winning single on 5/15 against the Yankees in a three hit effort.

However it’s coupling that with the carryover from last week why he’s earned this week’s spotlight. He was transferred to the Clearwater Threshers on 5/8/26 when Nate Humphreys went on the temporarily inactive list. Victor had went 3 for 5 in his FCL game on 5/7 against the Yankees with a home run and three RBIs. In two games with the Threshers on 5/9 and 5/10 he went 5 for 6 with a double and two RBIs!

He currently has a six game hitting streak in which he’s went 14 for 21 (.667) with a double, triple and home run knocking in ten runs and scoring six. In the month of May he’s posted a .517/.515/.724 slash line and 1.239 OPS in 31 plate appearances.

Last season (2025) was Victor’s first time stateside as a player after having a standout 2024 season in the Dominican Summer League during which he posted a .333/.390/.562 slash line and .952 OPS in 178 plate appearances with 12 doubles and 7 home runs. We saw glimpses of that in person last summer - an aggressive hitter who was prone to strikeouts but also has pop, defensively decent in center field in regard to tracking, makes the routine plays and occasionally will run down a ball that many cannot - throwing a bit erratic. I see him as more of a corner and comparable to Raylin Heredia who’s now the regular right fielder for Reading.

Director of Player Development Luke Murton told me “Yeah, both have similar skill sets. Heredia has done a great job in showing improvements. Cardoza has done well so far (big walkoff hit). Both have ability on both sides of the ball with MLB tools!”

Victor is a young player on a very hot tear who’s one to watch - has the tools to make “good noise” and get noticed in his climb up the development ladder.

International League (AAA) : Lehigh Valley (20-25)

The Iron Pigs went 1-5 for the week against Rochester (Nationals affiliate)

A tough week in Upstate New York for the IronPigs albeit most of the games were competitive contests. Bullpen arms continued to pitch well with five relievers (see below) throwing multiple good innings. Right hander Alan Rangel who is the “sixth starter” in reserve for the big club had a strong outing going six innings punching out seven while allowing just one run. Utility man Christian Cairo continues to be an on-base machine reaching base twelve times in twenty-four plate appearances. For the season he’s posted a .425 OBP in 194 plate appearances while carrying a respectable .276 batting average - defensively he’s seen time at shortstop (21 games), third base (13 games),  left field (11 games) and second base (1) - still a relatively young player at 24 who could earn a spot in the show at some point - he’s already on the 40 man roster.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Christian Cairo - 7 for 19 (.368), 4 walks, 6 runs scored - .500 OBP

Steward Berroa - 6 for 18 (.333), 2 doubles, HR, 6 RBIs, 4 walks - .455 OBP

Otto Kemp - 6 for 22, 2 doubles, 5 walks - .407 OBP in 27 PA’s

Paul McIntosh - 3 for 6, double, 2 walks - .625 OBP - 8 PA’s

On The Hill :

RH Alan Rangel - 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K’s

RH Chuck King - two starts - 9 IP, 3 earned R, 7 H, 2 BB, 8 K’s

RH Max Lazar - two appearances - 3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 3 K’s

RH Michael Mercado - two appearances - 3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s

RH Jackson Rutledge - two appearances - 1.1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K’s

RH Grant Holman - 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s

RH Seth Johnson - two appearances - 3 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K’s

RH Nolan Hoffman - two appearances - 3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K’s

Eastern League (AA) : Reading (20-19)

The Fightin Phils went 4-3 for the week against New Hampshire (Blue Jays affiliate).

The week began with two losses for the Fightins and a rain out on Thursday but they swept a doubleheader on Friday and walloped New Hampshire Saturday in a 20-0 lopsided victory. Starting pitching was good this week led once again by lefty Adam Seminaris who threw five shutout frames. Right hander Braydon Tucker returned from the IL and pitched five strong innings allowing just one run while right-handers Jean Cabrera went six innings in his start, Luke Russo went 5.2 innings and Kyle Brnovich 5.1 innings.

The hitters exploded on Saturday with a 20 run, 22 hit effort but the offense has been good all season for Reading as they rank in the league’s top four in nine categories. Bryan Rincon, Austin Murr and Bryson Ware had standout weeks. There’s developing talent on this club despite what some national pundits may say who come watch one game and then make conclusive statements - that stuff burns my britches 🤪. Player development is an ongoing process - as an example Bryan Rincon is a testament to that - if all one does is look at statistical numbers they likely wrote off the 22 year old already based on prior years but those of us who watch daily knew that there’s always been big league abilities that have been hindered by injuries and the ongoing learning of approach and adjustments - fully healthy in spring camp he showed those capabilities to a broader audience and has continued to do so thus far this season at Reading - just sayin - I’d be more reliant on observers who actually watch the continuing progress than one off commentary.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Bryan Rincon - 7 for 17 (.412), double, triple, HR, 5 RBIs, 8 runs, 4 walks - .545 OBP

Austin Murr - 7 for 22 (.318), double, 2 HR, 5 RBIs, 3 walks - .418 OBP - 25 PA’s

Bryson Ware - 7 for 23 (.304), 2 doubles, HR, 3 RBIs

Dylan Campbell - 4 for 12 (.333), triple, 3 walks - .529 OBP - 17 PA’s

Alex Binelas - 7 for 24 (.292), double, 5 RBIs

Aroon Escobar - 7 for 27, 2 doubles, 6 RBIs, 4 runs scored

On The Hill :

LH Adam Seminares - 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K’s

RH Jack Dallas - 3 perfect IP, 2 K’s

RH Braydon Tucker - 5 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 4 BB, 3 K’s

RH Jean Cabrera - 6 IP, 2 R, 8 H, 0 BB, 4 K’s

RH Luke Russo - 5.2 IP, 2 R - 1 earned, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K’s

RH Kyle Brnovich - 5.1 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 HB, 3 BB, 3 K’s

RH Evan Gates - two appearances - 2.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s

RH Alex McFarlane  - two appearances - 2 IP, 2 unearned R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s

South Atlantic League  (High A) : Jersey Shore (17-21)

The BlueClaws went 2-4 for the week against Greensboro (Pirates affiliate)

The Pirates system has quite a few standout arms and a couple shined thru this week in ShoreTown against the BlueClaws as they tossed shutouts on Wednesday and Thursday. The BlueClaws were shutout in back to back games for the first time since May 23-24 of 2024. But Jersey Shore also got some standout pitching of their own this week - in particular lefty Mavis Graves struck out ten batters and allowed just two hits in his five inning start - the 22 year old has a 1.50 ERA in three May starts (12 IP) and a 0.92 WHIP with 21 K’s and 5 walks - opponents in those three games have posted only six hits (.146 BAA). Mavis was hampered by a sore elbow this spring in camp but he looks back to form now and is pitching like someone who wants to bump up the ladder - good stuff!

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Raider Tello - 7 for 22 (.318), 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 3 walks - .385 OBP - 26 PA’s

John Spikerman - 5 for 18 (.278), triple, 3 walks , 2 SB  - .381 OBP - 23 PA’s

Luke Davis - 2 hits, 7 walks - .529 OBP in 17 PA’s

On The Hill :

LH Mavis Graves - 5 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 10 K’s

RH Sam Highfill - 3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s

RH Jake Eddington - two appearances - 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 K’s

RH Wen-Hui Pan - two appearances - 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K’s

RH Ryan Dromboski - 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K’s

RH Reese Dutton - 5.2 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K’s

RH Adilson Peralta - two appearances - 3 IP, 1 unearned R, 2 H, 1 HB, 1 BB, 5 K’s

Florida State League (Low A) : Clearwater (23-16)

The Threshers went 3-3 for the week against Lakeland (Tigers affiliate)

This week’s matchup was a continuation of what’s become a battle of the division elite. In each of the past three years, the Threshers and Flying Tigers have met in the Florida State League Division Series. This week was another competitive series.

Nathan Humphreys had a standout week offensively (see below stats) and both Griffin Burkholder and Alirio Ferrebus continued to mash the baseball. Gabriel Rincones Jr continued his rehab assignment which began on 5/5 and Keaton Anthony joined him this week also on rehab assignment - the two AAA level players added to the young mix in both competition and spirit. Juan Villavicencio popped two home runs in the series.

Pitching was good - righty Gage Wood bounced back with strong numbers as compared to last week in Daytona however his outing last week was focused almost entirely on throwing his secondary offerings - it’s already been established that the heater can play, his ongoing development work is in strengthening the full repertoire. Cody Bowker, Tanner Gresham, Sean Youngerman  and a rehab assigned (from AA level)  Estibenzon Jimenez all pitched well this week. RH Ramon Marquez was outstanding - he went five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts allowing just three hits - the kid (he’s 20) is really good, perhaps a national pundit should come watch him perform 🤪.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Nathan Humphreys - 10 for 21 (.476), 3 doubles, HR, 4 RBIs - .500 OBP

Keaton Anthony - 4 for 10 (.400), doubles, 4 walks - .533 OBP in 15 PA’s

Alirio Ferrebus - 6 for 17 (.353), double, 2 RBIs - .389 OBP

Griffin Burkholder - 5 for 15 (.333), 2 doubles, 3 walks - .474 OBP

Will Vierling - 3 for 9, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 walks - .455 OBP in 11 PA’s

Juan Villavicencio - 6 for 20 (.300), 2 HR, 3 RBIs

Gabriel Rincones Jr - 4 for 14, double, 3 walks - .412 OBP in 17 PA’s

On The Hill :

RH Ramon Marquez - 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K’s

RH Tanner Gresham - 4 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K’s

RH Gage Wood - 4 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 6 K’s

RH Cody Bowker - 4 IP, 1 R, 0 H, 3 BB, 5 K’s

RH Sean Youngerman - 3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 HB, 4 K’s

RH Estibenzon Jimenez - 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 K’s

RH Richie Cortese - 2 appearances - 1 unearned R, 2.2 IP, 5 K’s

RH Gabe Craig - 2 appearances - 2.1 scoreless IP

Florida Complex League Phillies (4-7)

The Phillies went 2-3 for the week against the Blue Jays, Yankees and Tigers.

Two walk-off wins on Friday and Saturday highlighted the week - lefty hurler Aneury Montilla impressed on Saturday with three gritty innings in relief, two of which were in extra innings with the placed runner to begin each frame. Victor Cardoza shined offensively as highlighted above and lefty hurler Kevin Warunek made two strong rehab appearances punching out four batters in 2.2 scoreless innings.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Victor Cardoza - 6 for 10 (.600), triple, 5 RBIs - see above spotlight

Jack Barker - 6 for 19 (.316), 2 doubles, HR, 2 walks - .381 OBP - 21 PA’s

Anderson Araujo - 4 for 15, triple, 3 walks - .389 OBP in 18 PA’s

Guillermo Rosario - 3 for 11, 2 doubles, 2 walks - .385 OBP in 13 PA’s

On The Hill :

LH Kevin Warunek - 2 appearances - 2.2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s

RH Wilmer Blanco - 3 IP, 1 unearned R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K’s

LH Yordanis Guerra - 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K’s

LH Aneury Montilla - standout effort Saturday - 3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 K’s incl. 2 IP in extra innings

Dominican Republic :

Three exhibition games I have information on against the Blue Jays (W & Tie) and Tigers (L)

The Phillies went 1-1-1 for the week - there was another road game I believe but have no information on it

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Dayber Cruceta - 4 for 8 (.500)

Jose Tovar - 3 for 7, walk - .500 OBP

On The Hill :

RH Rainy Mota - 2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 K’s

RH Jorge Mitre - 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K’s

RH Justin Burgos - 3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K

Minor league stateside system transactions :

Lehigh Valley - RHP Max Lazar’s (PHI 60-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred from REA. RHP Jackson Rutledge added to the roster. RHP Levi Stoudt added to the roster (from REA). OF Dylan Carlson signed to a minor league contract and added to the roster.INF/OF Dylan Moore (outrighted to LHV on 5/8) added to the roster. C Lou Albrechtadded to the roster (from REA) and placed on the Development List. LHP Andrew Wallingplaced on the 7-Day IL (retroactive to 5/10). OF Óscar Mercado released. RHP Lou Trivino re-signed a minor league contract. LHP Kirby Snead signed a minor league contract. LHP Génesis Cabrera granted his release after he exercised the opt-out clause in his contract.

Reading - RHP Jean Cabrera added to the roster (from LHV). OF Cade Fergus added to the roster (from LHV). RHP Braydon Tucker reinstated from the 7-Day IL.

Jersey Shore - RHP Wen-Hui Pan’s (REA 7-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred to from CLW. RHP Ryan Dromboski added to the roster (from REA). LHP Juan Amarante placed on the 7-Day IL. RHP Keegan Batka added to the roster from CLW. RHP Mitch Neunborn’s (REA 7-Day IL) rehab assignment has been transferred from FCL.

Clearwater - RHP Estibenzon Jimenez’s (REA 7-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred from FCL. 1B Keaton Anthony (LHV 7-Day IL) began a rehab assignment. OF Nate Humphreys reinstated from the Temporarily Inactive List. RHP Andrew Bechtold (LHV 60-Day IL) began a rehab assignment. LHP Zuher Yousuf reinstated from the Development List. RHP Brad Pacheco placed on the Development List. RHP Tegan Cain added to the roster from FCL.

FCL - INF Erick Brito began a minor league rehab assignment (from Triple-A Lehigh Valley 60-Day IL). OF Victor Cardoza transferred from Single A Clearwater. RHP Wilmer Blancoadded to the roster (from JS). RHP Matt Potok placed on the 7-Day IL.

RHP Brian Keller signed to a minor league contract.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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