Shortstop J.P. Crawford plays at a Spring Training game in March (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
Phillies fans are watching the current big league club struggle to score runs and frequently wonder about the progress of their top offensive prospects in the minor leagues. One name with whom Phillies fans are familiar with will be moving up to the top level of the minor leagues. The Phillies reported on Twitter that shortstop J.P. Crawford has been promoted to AAA Lehigh Valley.
Crawford began the season at AA Reading, while some felt he should have headed right to AAA. At just 21 years old, Crawford is still on the younger end of those at AAA. Crawford batted .265 for the Reading Fightin' Phils, with three home runs and 13 runs batted in. Crawford hit eight doubles and stole five bases.
Whether or not Crawford is promoted to the Phillies remains to be seen. AAA has plenty of former Major League pitchers who will challenge Crawford in a way he has not yet been at AA. Should Crawford find success at AAA, he could find himself in Philadelphia sooner than later. In 2015, Aaron Nola had a short stint at AAA Lehigh Valley. Promoted to AAA on June 14, Nola made his Major League debut with the Phillies on July 20.
Of course, Crawford is much younger than Nola, who had three years' experience of college ball prior to being drafted by the Phillies. Still, if Crawford can show he can hit at AAA, he may be in Philadelphia sooner than later. The Phillies offense could use him.
