9/30/26 : Arizona Fall League roster changes
As expected the Phillies have added infielder Aidan Miller to the roster of the Surprise Saguaros. In addition LHP Andrew Walling has replaced RHP Jose Peña Jr.
Aidan Miller - 22 years old - drafted in 1st round of the 2023 draft from Mitchell HS, New Port Richey, FL - worked diligently to return to action thru extensive therapy with the rehab team at the complex in Clearwater. Aidan had a very strong 2025 season posting a .392 OBP and .825 OPS in 526 plate appearances with Reading and Lehigh Valley. He posted 27 doubles, 2 triples, 14 home runs and 42 RBIs while stealing 59 bases. Plans were for him to play in the 2025 Arizona Fall League but his back injury sidelined him instead. He returned to action with an eye towards getting in as much game action as possible. Played 3B in the playoffs for Reading during their championship run - posted a .500 OBP (10 for 20) with four hits (one double) and six walks, two stolen bases and three RBIs in four games. He played in four regular season games before that (one with Clearwater) and went 4 for 12 (.333) with three doubles, two walks and two RBIs. Has a tremendous spirit, is resilient, respectful and hard working with a tremendous outlook. An injury setback is difficult for any person to deal with but he’s done so with a strong work ethic and belief in himself that he would get thru it. The young man is someone ya can’t help but root for - on top of all that he’s tremendously talented as a baseball player!
LHP Andrew Walling - 26 years old - signed as an un-drafted free agent 8/1/22 from Mississippi State - limited to just 11 games this season with Lehigh Valley due to an elbow sprain (went on the IL 5/10). He spent the majority of this season with the rehab team in Clearwater. Andrew is a likeable young man whose desire to excel shines thru, can handle pressure spots in games, has baseball savvy and moxie - strong competitor. Reminds me a bit of former Phillie Jake Diekman in his stuff, motion and arm slot. He can double up on innings in his outings. He was signed by Mike Stauffer who told me a great story how he discovered him - Andrew didn’t pitch much in college as he battled to throw strikes but Mike had seen him in a blowout game and noted the superior stuff he saw regardless of the location of his deliveries - he continued to follow him and then signed him to a contract after he went un-drafted - Andrew had pitched only 13 innings in collegiate play. He features a four seam fastball (93-97 mph), slider and cutter. A couple years ago Lehigh Valley Pitching Coach Phil Cundari told me this about Andrew - “I don’t know what’s tougher, playing catch with him or trying to hit him. He’s got electric stuff, very strong young man who throws a bowling bowl of a cutter, varies his slider from a cutter to one that has more sweep, both have great velocity, exceptional breaking stuff.” Andrew is from Castle Rock, Washington and originally attended Oregon State before transferring to Eastern Oklahoma State College and then Mississippi State. He’s got the goods to become a major leaguer when healthy.
Jose Peña Jr was placed on the injury list on 6/22 with elbow discomfort and is still working his way back from that, rather than participating in the AFL he will continue his rehab efforts.
The full Phillies AFL contingent is now :
Pitchers :
RH Ryan Dromboski
LH Andrew Walling
RH Keegan Batka
LH Kevin Warunek
RH Estibenzon Jimenez
Catcher :
Kehden Hettiger
Luke Davis - playing for the Scottsdale team
Infielders :
Aidan Miller
Aroon Escobar
Outfielder :
Dante Nori
Hitting Coach :
Jeff Livesey
Athletic Trainer :
Marissa VanHassel
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