Scott Kingery assigned to Triple A Lehigh Valley, goes 1-for-4 with an RBI in season debut

Former Phillies top prospect Scott Kingery was assigned to Triple A Lehigh Valley yesterday after recovering from shoulder surgery that he had last July to repair a torn labrum.
The Phillies signed Kingery to a six year $24 million contract before he ever played a game in the majors. Kingery is making $6 million in 2022 and $8 million in 2023 while not even being listed on the 40-man roster.
We can forget the fact that the Phillies threw Kingery out there in every position on the field rather than having him develop as the team’s future at second base. We can even let go of the fact that Gabe Kapler’s weird obsession with “launch angle” might have been Kingery’s demise. That time is over.
Now 28-years old, Kingery will play second base in Lehigh Valley and according to reports, his time in the outfield will be limited. It’s hard to see how Kingery will make his way back onto the Phillies roster at second base.
Jean Segura continues to play well and with Johan Camargo and Bryson Stott on the roster, as well as Nick Maton in Lehigh Valley. However, given the fact that he’s making so much money in the minor leagues and has previously shown promise at the major league level, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Scott Kingery MLB Stats

IronPigs 2022 Debut
Kingery batted fifth last night and went 1-for-4 with a RBI single in the top of the first inning.Â
Originally tweeted by Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) on May 17, 2022.
Notables from last night’s 11-5 Iron Pigs win
- Matt Vierling: 2-for-5Â
- Nick Maton: 2-for-4, 3 RBIÂ
- Yairo Munoz: 2-for-4, 3 RBI
- Jorge Bonifacio: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
I’ve been a pretty vocal supporter of Kingery and #JetpaxSZN. I would kill for a redemption tour. This kid has battled through injuries, a bad run in with COVID, and has dealt with a Phillies organization that has failed time and time again to develop prospects.
I never understood why people hold contracts above player’s heads. The fact that the Phillies paid Kingery so early in his career is hardly his fault. There’s always been some promise with Kingery, let’s just hope he can get back on track and work his way back onto the Phillies 40-man roster sometime this season.