The Cincinnati Reds Triple-A affiliate the Louisville Bats had a game last night against the Gwinnett Stripers the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Bats had one of the Reds’ top Prospects on the mound, Connor Phillips who is ranked by ITD as the Reds fourth-best prospect and the 71st overall prospect from its top 100 list to start the season. Both teams entered that game with a 2-1 record.
Game Recap:
The Stripers got out to a 1-0 lead after J.P. Martinez hit a triple to lead off the game. He scored on the next play when David Fletcher grounded out to the shortstop giving the Stripers an early lead. This would be the only run for the Stripers all game long. Connor Phillips settled in after the lead-off triple only allowing three additional hits in six total innings of work. The Louisville Bats got solo shots from Mike Ford and Conner Capel in the fourth inning to finish the scoring for both teams on the night. Both home runs were the first of the year for Ford and Capel. The Louisville Bats would the game 2-1 to improve to 3-1 on the year which is good enough to sit atop the International West Division.
RHP – Connor Phillips
Phillips is a big Texas kid standing six foot two inches and weighing 209 pounds originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2020 as the overall 64th pick. The kid has made 67 appearances in the minors starting 66 games recording a 17-17 win-loss record and earning one save in his young career. He’s pitched a total of 296.2 innings, with a 3.97 ERA, and a 1.42 WHIP, and struck out 418 batters in his minor league career. This past Tuesday night April 2nd against the Strippers, Phillips looked strong going six innings earning the victory. He gave up four hits, three walks, one earned run, and struck out three hitters. This being his only start so far this season leaves him with a 1.50 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP on the year. Phillips is a talented right-hander who the Reds expect to contribute at some point this season whether it be a spot start or perhaps a move to the bullpen depending on the big league team’s needs as the season progresses. Last season with the big league club Phillips made five starts. He pitched 20.2 innings and ended the year with a 1-1 record for the Reds. His ERA was 6.97 and he finished with a 1.50 WHIP over 20.2 innings of work. He did struggle with control with 13 walks and striking out 26 during his time last year. His minor league numbers suggest he can miss more bats than issue free passes, so hopefully with additional time with Lousiville in Triple-A Phillips can continue to work on his command while racking up the strikeouts. He is a promising young arm and one I’ll be watching the rest of this season as should any die-hard Reds fan as he could be part of the solution to this team’s pitching staff whether it be as a starter or at the back end of the bullpen with his swing and miss arsenal of pitches!
Wrap up
Phillips may be ranked the fourth-best prospect for the Cincinnati Reds currently, and the 71st overall for ITD, but I think he’s a name to watch to be an impact player for the Reds at some point this year. Whether that is in the starting rotation or at the back end of that bullpen setting up Alexis Diaz. One way or the other if you love the Reds this kid is worth keeping an eye on. He should be getting the ball again on Sunday, April 8th against the Gwinnett Strippers, which I will be watching to see how the Strippers adjust to seeing him a second time as well as how Phillips adjusts to seeing them for a second time in 6 days. Phillips is a good arm to watch and if he can continue to rack up outing like he did Tuesday this kid will be one wearing a Reds uniform sooner rather than later.
