The Phillies dealt for a ton of prospects prior to last week's trade deadline, setting things up for an exciting time in the minor league system . On Tuesday night, newly-aquired right-hander Jake Thompson and outfielder Nick Williams made their debuts for Double-A Reading while Jerad Eickhoff made his first start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley just one night after Alec Asher had his first outing. Let's take a look at how they fared in their respective organizational debuts.
RHP Jake Thompson – Debuted for Double-A Reading against Trenton
Coming in at third on the Phillies prospect rankings by MLB.com, Thompson was the Rangers top pitching prospect before being included in the trade for left-hander Cole Hamels. Thompson made his first start for Double-A Reading in Trenton on Tuesday and pitched seven strong innings, scattering six hits and allowing just one run. He didn't walk a batter and struck out one.
OF Nick Williams - Debuted for Double-A Reading against Trenton
If Jorge Alfaro doesn't pan out, then Nick Williams has to be the guy that makes the Cole Hamels deal worth it. Now ranked as the Phillies fourth best prospect by MLB.com, Williams hit .299 with Double-A Frisco before being traded. In his first game for Double-A Reading, Williams batted lead-off and went 2-for-5 in the Fightin' Phils 7-1 trouncing of the Yankees Double-A affiliate.
RHP Jerad Eickoff - Debuted for Triple-A Lehigh Valley against Toledo
One of the lower, mid-level prospects received for Cole Hamels from Texas, Eickoff posted a 4.25 ERA in 20 games, 19 of which were starts, with Triple-A Round Rock. In his first outing for his new club, Eickoff impressed, tossing six innings of one-run ball, striking out seven Mud Hens in the process. The 25-year-old righty is ranked as the 14th prospect in the Phillies organization.
RHP Alex Asher – Debuted for Triple-A Lehigh Valley against Toledo on Monday
Like Eickoff, Asher is one of mid-level prospects in the Hamels deal. Coming in at 24th on the Phillies top 30 prospects list, Asher went 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA in Triple-A with Texas. He made his Ironpigs debut on Monday night against Toledo and took a no-decision after giving up four runs on nine hits in six innings of work. Asher struck out three. A fourth rounder from the 2012 draft, Asher has a combined 3.68 ERA in 95 minor league games, 74 starts.
RHP Jimmy Cordero – Made his second appearance for Double-A Reading
After allowing two runs in one inning of work during his organizational debut against New Hampshire on Monday, Cordero bounced back nicely for Double-A Reading on Tuesday, striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning.
Minor League Notes:
- Alberto Tirado, who came to the Phillies with Jimmy Cordero from Toronto for Ben Revere, was assigned to Advanced 'A' Clearwater on Tuesday.
- Chase Utley, making his second rehab start, went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and a strikeout for Double-A Reading on Tuesday. He played his first game at second base in his rehab process as well. Ruben Amaro Jr. said earlier in the week that Utley would spend Tuesday and Wednesday with Reading before being reevaluated.
