Griff McGarry, strikeout king, promoted to Double A Reading from High A Jersey Shore
Yesterday, the Philadelphia Phillies promoted 23-year old Griff McGarry from High A Jersey Shore to Double A Reading.
McGarry was a fifth-round pick in last year’s MLB Draft and now the University of Virginia is likely on a path to the major leagues, which could happen as soon as this year. McGarry made 12 starts for Jersey Shore, allowing just 33 hits in just over 46 innings over work. He struck out 82 batters and walked 24.
Over his last three starts McGarry struck out 34 batters in just over 17 innings of work. Last Wednesday, he threw six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out 11.
For a Phillies team that remains unclear about the future of their bullpen this year while they are trying to snap a decade-long playoff drought, I think it’s fair to say that McGarry will be on their radar in Double A as a possible option down the stretch.
Typically, once players reach Double A in the minor leagues, their path to the MLB starts to appear in front of them. It’s not uncommon to see pitchers jump from Reading straight to South Philadelphia, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see McGarry do just that if he continues to dominate on the mound.
Up Next for the Phillies
The Phillies fell behind 5-runs yesterday in the first inning. Kyle Gibson let up four home runs to start the game off and although the Fightins tried to claw back, they ended up losing to Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5.
Tonight, Zack Wheeler (6-4, 2.89 ERA) will start for the Phillies, pitting him against Adam Wainwright (6-5, 3.07 ERA) for the Cardinals.
