5/24/26 : Phillies Minor Leagues : week in review (5/18 - 5/24)

Compiled and written by Steve Potter

This week’s Spotlight Player : RHP Sam Highfill - 25 years old - signed as non drafted free agent 7/29/25 - NC State University

Sam had an outstanding outing this week for Jersey Shore going five scoreless innings on Friday night allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out four batters. He’s now riding an eight inning scoreless streak. He has been a reliable innings eater in his brief two year pro career to date - features a four seam fastball in the 91-95 mph range, slider, sinker, change-up, curve and cutter. Has a great competitive spirit who knows how to pitch. Will generally keep his team in games with a chance to win.

He’s from Apex, North Carolina - his grandfather, Joel Gibson played baseball at UNCW and NC State and pitched professionally for the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies from 1961 to 1966 reaching the AAA level. Sam’s parents both graduated from NC State where he did as well - his 45 starts for the Wolfpack ranked fifth all time in program history. He also swung the bat at NC State - a notable performance came in 2021 - In the College World Series he pitched a two-hit shutout in 7.1 innings and then went 3-for-4 at the plate in back-to-back games (June 21 and 25) against 2019 National Champion Vanderbilt.

2026  Stats :  eight appearances for Jersey Shore - five starts - 4.60 ERA in 29.1 IP with 22 K’s and 13 walks.

2025 Stats :  began the year with Clearwater and appeared in 18 games (16 starts) totaling 75 IP with a 4.80 ERA, 74 K’s and 24 walks.  Promoted to Jersey Shore on 7/29 - made six starts there (31 IP) with a 3.77 ERA, 17 K’s, 9 walks. Overall amassed 106 IP in his first pro season in 24 games with a 4.50 ERA, 91 K’s, 33 walks. Best month was May - five starts (22.1 IP) with a 2.82 ERA - 24 K’s and 9 walks.

International League (AAA) : Lehigh Valley (23-28)

The Iron Pigs went 3-3 for the week against Scranton Wilkes-Barre (Yankees affiliate)

The week began with a blowout loss on Tuesday which was revenged with a blowout victory on Wednesday. The next four games were decided by one run separations. Felix Reyes returned to the AAA level after being optioned from the Phillies and picked up where he left off with three multi-hit games including three home runs. Bryan De La Cruz hit three home runs during the week as well. Lefty Tucker Davidson threw five scoreless innings in his start on Wednesday and has a 17 inning scoreless streak over three games at Coca-Cola Park. LHP Kirby Snead made his IronPigs debut making two appearances and pitching scoreless ball. RHP Levi Stoudt threw a total of three scoreless innings in two appearances as an opener.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Felix Reyes - 9 for 24 (.375), double, 3 HR, 9 RBIs, 5 runs scored - .407 OBP

Robert Moore - 3 for 9, 2 doubles, triple

Bryan De La Cruz - 3 HR, 6 RBIs

Liover Peguero - 5 for 16 (.313),double, triple, 2 walks - .389 OBP

On The Hill :

LH Tucker Davidson - 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K’s

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

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

RH Nolan Hoffman - two appearances - 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s

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

LH Kirby Snead - two appearances - 1.1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 HB, 0 BB, 3 K’s

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

Eastern League (AA) : Reading (21-24)

The Fightin Phils went 1-5 for the week against Portland (Red Sox affiliate).

Rough week in Maine for the Fightins as they were shut out twice and held to one run in another game. The offense was held in check throughout most of the series although they did score seven runs in a Saturday win with all the runs coming in one inning.

The pitching was good, RH Braydon Tucker continues to throw well, he yielded just one unearned run is six innings in his start on Tuesday, Braydon has a 1.46 ERA in seven starts (37 IP) thus far. RH Luke Russo was solid on Thursday going five innings and lefty Adam Seminares delivered six innings on Saturday. The bullpen continued to shine - two encouraging scoreless outings by RH Christian McGowan who’s returned from shoulder surgery and rehab that kept him out all last season along with RH Aaron Combs who made three scoreless appearances and RH closer Alex McFarlane and his triple digit heat with 2.1 scoreless outings - he’s posted a sparkling 0.54 ERA in 17 games (16.2 IP) with 22 K’s and 7 walks recording 4 saves. Oh btw RHP Gage Wood made his AA debut on Friday - see notes below - good stuff 😎.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Austin Murr - 5 for 17 (.294) with a triple, 3 walks - .400 OBP - 20 PA’s

Jordan Dissin - 3 for 6 (.500) with 2 walks - .625 OBP in 8 PA’s

Alex Binelas - 4 hits, 6 walks in 23 PA’s - .435 OBP

On The Hill :

RH Braydon Tucker - 6 IP, 1 unearned R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s

RH Luke Russo - 5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K’s

LH Adam Seminares - 6 IP, 2 R - 1 earned, 7 H, 1 HB, 0 BB, 6 K’s

RH Gage Wood - 3 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K’s - good first AA outing - first inning HR against him was on a pitch up in the zone (looked like a splitter to me), got a lot of swing and miss on fastballs (had movement & velocity) and sweeper/curve - threw an exceptional one in second inning that catcher Kehden Hettiger pointed out to him afterwards. Talent is evident, mix was better in regard to sequencing.

RH Aaron Combs - three appearances - 4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K’s

RH Alex McFarlane - two appearances - 2.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 K’s

RH Christian McGowan - two appearances - 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 K’s

LH Tristan Garnett - two appearances - 3.1 perfect IP, 5 K’s

RH Jack Dallas - 3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K’s

South Atlantic League  (High A) : Jersey Shore (18-26)

The BlueClaws went 1-5 for the week against Wilmington (Nationals affiliate)

Raindrops kept falling on their heads during the week in Delaware as delayed starts and postponements occurred all week - in order to get the games in two seven inning double headers were played. Jersey Shore was shutout in two losses and scored just eight runs during the week. Raider Tello had a good offensive showing as did Joel Dragoo however the balance of the club struggled at the dish.

RHP Sam Highfill earned my spotlight of the week (see above) with an outstanding pitching performance on Thursday. Right handers Keegan Batka, Wen-Hui Pan and Estibenzon Jimenez (on rehab assignment) threw the ball well out of the bullpen. Outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr was on rehab assignment as well, the weather didn’t afford much opportunity however he’s still on schedule to return to full activation next week with AAA Lehigh Valley.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Raider Tello - 6 for 13 (.462), 1 walk - .500 OBP - 14 PA’s

Joel Dragoo - 3 for 8 (.375), 2 walks - .500 OBP - 10 PA’s

On The Hill :

RH Sam Highfill - 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K’s

RH Luke Gabrysh - 4 IP, 1 unearned R, 1 H, 3 BB, 6 K’s

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

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

RH Keegan Batka - 1 perfect IP, 2 K’s - in 12 games (14 IP) incl 10 with CW - 0.00 ERA

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

Florida State League (Low A) : Clearwater (26-19)

The Threshers went 3-3 for the week against Tampa (Yankees affiliate)

Raindrops were falling in Florida this past week as well postponing Tuesday’s contest and delaying action for a bit on Friday. Lefty Cade Obermueller made his pro debut on Friday as the opener going one inning. Right hander Ramon Marquez continued to pitch well - a twenty year old garnering much deserved scouting attention. Griffin Burkholder and Juan Villavicencio continued strong play. Outfielder Jonathan Hogart had a standout week, he hit for the cycle over four games. Keaton Anthony had a solid week on rehab assignment - he hit two home runs.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Juan Villavicencio - 8 for 20 (.400), 2 doubles, triple, 4 runs scored

Jonathan Hogart - 5 for 13 (.385), double, triple, HR, 2 walks, 3 runs - .467 OBP

Griffin Burkholder - 5 for 14 (.357), double, HR, 4 RBIs, 5 runs, 2 walks - .471 OBP

Manolfi Jimenez - 5 for 14 (.357), HR - .400 OBP, 3 runs

Robert Phelps - 5 for 15 (.333)

Keaton Anthony - 4 for 12 (.333), 2 HR’s, 3 RBIs

On The Hill :

RH Ramon Marquez - 5 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 7 K’s

Florida Complex League Phillies (5-11)

The Phillies went 1-4 for the week against the Blue Jays (1-1), Yankees (0-2) and Tigers (0-1).

All five games were on the road as the American Conference Collegiate Baseball Championship Tournament took over the home complex and stadium for the week. Esterling Rodriguez and Romeli Espinosa had productive weeks, Jonathan Alcantara hit two home runs. RHP Matthew Fisher had his best outing as a professional throwing three scoreless frames.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Esterling Rodriguez - 7 for 13 (.538) with a double, three RBIs and four runs scored

Romeli Espinosa - 8 for 21 (.381) with 3 doubles, 5 RBIs, 2 walks - .458 OBP - 24 PA’s

Anderson Araujo - 5 for 15 (.333) with 3 walks - .444 in 18 PA’s

Jack Barker - 5 for 18 with 3 doubles, 3 runs scored, 3 walks - .364 OBP - 22 PA’s

Jonathan Alcantara - 3 for 10 (.300) with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs and 4 runs scored

On The Hill :

RH Matthew Fisher - 3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 HB, 0 BB, 3 K’s

RH Anderson Navas - two appearances - 2.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 HB, 1 BB, 3 K’s

LH Yordanis Guerra - two appearances - 3.2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 HB, 1 BB, 4 K’s

Dominican Republic :

Four exhibition games against the Rangers (L), Yankees (L) and Blue Jays (L)

The Phillies went 0-4 for the week

Good week for seventeen year old outfielder Francisco Renteria as he hit for the cycle over the course of the week. RHP David Victorino (18 years old) had a strong outing flashing a fast ball touching 96 mph in two perfect innings of work with four strikeouts.

This week’s standouts :

At Bat :

Francisco Renteria - 5 for 11 (.455), double, triple, HR, 3 RBIs, 3 walks - .571 OBP

Dayber Cruceta - 4 for 14 (.285)

On The Hill :

RH David Victorino - 2 perfect IP, 4 K’s - FB up to 96 mph

LH Samuel Ortiz - 3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K

Notable International Signing :

The Phillies announced the signing of seventeen year old Korean RHP Chan-Min Park.  He reportedly has a fastball in the 91-93 mph range touching 94 with a clean repeatable delivery which he couples with a curve, slider, change up and splitter. In an article written by Jesse Borek of MLB it was noted that “Park played his high school ball at Gwangju Ilgo, a program known for having four players go on to appear at the Major League level - Hee-Seop Choi, Byung-Hyun Kim, Jae Weong Seo and Jung Ho Kang.”  He’s 6’4” and will be a starter - TBD where he begins his professional career - from a fan’s view welcome to the Phillies young sir!

Btw 2026 noted signees OF Francisco Renteria, SS Juan Parra and RHP Justin Burgos are already in action in extended spring training games in the Dominican at the Phillies Academy.

Minor league stateside system transactions :

Lehigh Valley - RHP Jonathan Hernández granted his release after he exercised the opt-out clause in his contract. RHP Lenny Torres released. LHP Kirby Snead (signed on 5/16) added to the roster. INF/OF Felix Reyes optioned and added to the roster (from PHI). RHP Drake Fellows signed to a minor league contract and added to the roster.

Reading - RHP Gage Wood added to the roster (from CLW). RHP Andrew Baker traded to Colorado for international bonus pool money.

Jersey Shore - RHP Gabriel Barbosa added to the roster (from REA). RHP Estibenzon Jimenez’s (REA 7-Day IL) rehab assignmenttransferred from CLW. OF Gabriel Rincones Jr.’s (LHV 7-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred to JS from CLW). INF Erick Brito’s(LHV 60-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred to JS (from FCL). RHP Jaydenn Estanistareleased. RHP Wen-Hui Pan returned from rehab assignment, reinstated from the 7-Day IL, and added to the roster (from REA). RHP Ryan Degges placed on the 7-Day IL. OF John Spikerman placed on the 7-Day IL (retroactive to 5/21).

Clearwater - LHP Kevin Warunek’s (JS 7-Day IL) rehab assignment transferred to CLW (from FCL). RHP Brad Pacheco reinstated from the Development List. LHP Cade Obermueller reinstated from the 7-Day IL. RHP Cole Gilley placed on the Development List.

FCL -  RHP Micah Ottenbreit (JS 60-Day IL) began a rehab assignment. RHP Jesus Montiel placed on the 7-Day IL.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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