By: Brandon Apter, contributor 
The Phillies have a plethora of top pitching talent in their farm and until this year, Ben Lively wasn't high on that list. Oh, how things have changed. After posting a 4.13 ERA in 25 starts during the 2015 season, calling 2016 a rebound year wouldn't do Lively's performance justice. He leads all of Minor League Baseball with 10 wins, he has a 1.94 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A and is 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA in three starts since being promoted to Lehigh Valley. Over his last two outings, spanning 13 innings, Lively has scattered just three hits and allowed one run while striking out 11. Lively's performance in those starts has earned him International League Pitcher of the Week honors.
International League announces Players of the Week; C Kyle Higashioka (@swbrailriders) & RHP Ben Lively (@IronPigs): https://t.co/GYgVAKy52M
— Triple-A Baseball (@TripleABaseball) June 13, 2016
Lively, 24, was acquired by the Phillies in December 2014 from the Reds in exchange for Marlon Byrd. In 13 starts this season, he's held opposing hitters to a .169 average, including a .135 average through his three outings thus far in Triple-A. In his last start against Durham, he retired the last seven batters he faced and the Ironpigs offense gave him 16 runs of support, something that helps him stay comfortable on the hill.
"It definitely settles you down a lot," Lively said. "I always have to have that aggressiveness in me to do good, but it's always nice to have that comfort like that." [MiLB.com]
Lehigh Valley is 34-29 this season, 2.5 games behind the IL North leading Rochester Red Wings. Lively is scheduled to make his next start on Friday, June 17 when the Ironpigs host the Buffalo Bisons.
Lively earned Double-A Eastern League Pitcher of the Week twice before being promoted to Triple-A.
