Earlier this week, Phillies farm hands Jerad Eikhoff and Andrew Knapp took home Pitcher and Player of the Week honors for their respective leagues. Most of the focus is currently upon the newly-acquired Phillies prospects including Jake Thompson and Nick Williams, but one reliever not on anyone's radar has hit a milestone for Double-A Reading.
Right-hander Stephen Shakleford, selected by the Giants in the 35th round of the 2010 draft out of the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia, earned his 25th save of the season on Tuesday night, a new single-season record for Reading. He passes the likes of Wayne Gomes, Toby Borland and Justin Friend, all of whom had 24 saves. Shakleford has only blown two saves this season.
This season for the Fighin' Phils, Shakleford is 4-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 45 2/3 innings. He has 50 strikeouts and has walked 20. Opposing hitters have a .207 average against him this season and a .230 average against in his career. Double-A Reading is now on an eight-game winning streak, thanks in large part to Shackleford, who has allowed no runs while saving six games in his last 10 appearances, three during the teams' current run.
Meanwhile, the starter for Reading on Tuesday night, Ben Lively, is headed to the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, according to MLB.com Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki. The 23-year-old righty, acquired by the Phillies in the Marlon Byrd trade, has been on and off for Reading this season. Over his last three starts he's allowed 13 earned runs on 22 hits, raising his ERA to 4.17 on the season. Over his last 10 starts, Lively is 4-2 with a 4.45 ERA (28 ER in 56.2 IP).
