Cameron Rupp Ready for Backup Role

The Phillies made Cameron Rupp their 3rd Round pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. A catcher out of the University of Texas, Rupp advanced through the minor league system a level at a time over the next few years.

In 2012 at High-A Clearwater, Rupp’s bat began to display some pop. He cracked 22 doubles and had 10 homers with the Threshers.

Rupp then split 2013 between AA-Reading and AAA-Lehigh Valley, and against the more advanced pitching he increased his homer total to 14.

In September of that 2013 season, Rupp received his first callup to the Big Leagues. It was the classic ‘cup of coffee’, as he appeared in just 4 games, making 3 starts, going 4-13 with a double and 2 RBI.

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Rupp was back at Lehigh Valley to start the 2014 season. But a June injury to starter Carlos Ruiz resulted in his 2nd callup.

For a month from late June through late July, Rupp was the regular starter. In 16 games he hit just .183 with 4 doubles and 6 RBI.

Now entering the 2015 season, assuming the club makes no significant moves at the position, Rupp should be the backup to fan favorite Chooch all year long.

“..our catching situation is not etched in stone other than Carlos naturally.” ~ Ruben Amaro

This means that the 26-year old will be an injury to the 36-year old Ruiz away from the starting catcher role.

GM Ruben Amaro addressed the situation at the Winter Meetings in early December: “our catching situation is not etched in stone other than Carlos naturally.”

Rupp is more suited to a backup role than an everyday starter behind the plate. That’s what the team will be getting if he is forced into a heavier workload.

He is a decent receiver with a strong arm defensively. Offensively he has some pop, but is a weak overall hitter with no speed and with holes in his swing.

Cameron Rupp has been a high draft pick, has worked his way through the Phils system, and has gotten a taste of the Majors. As long as it’s in the backup catcher role, he should be ready for an increased opportunity with the Phillies in 2015.