Andres Blanco’s injury may hurt the big league club today, but it very may well help them down the road.
With utility-man Andres Blanco heading to the disabled list after breaking a finger in Pittsburgh over the weekend, Phillies General Manager Matt Klentak called-up Taylor Featherston from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
This created a domino affect throughout the Phillies organization, which ended up including two prospects who could someday fill a major hole in the organization.
According to multiple reports, the Phillies promoted second baseman Jesmuel Valentin from Double-A Reading to Lehigh Valley to fill Featherston’s roster spot.
To replace Valentin on the high-flying Reading Fightin’ Phils roster, top second base prospect Scott Kingery earned a promotion from Single-A Clearwater.
Phillies 2B prospect Scott Kingery headed to Reading. Drafted in last year's 2nd round. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in Philly next year
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) July 25, 2016
Kingery was the Phillies second round pick in 2015, and has seen a large amount of success with the Threshers. The 22-year-old was hitting .293 this season down in Florida, and will be looking to bring his hot bat up north to Reading.
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Jesmuel Valentin on the other hand carries less hype since coming to the organization in the Roberto Hernandez trade with the Dodgers. He was arrested and suspended by Major League Baseball last spring for a domestic violence incident.
In 2016 he was hitting .276 for Reading with five home runs and 38 walks in 89 at bats.
Not since Chase Utley have the Phillies had a legitimate second base prospect. Jason Donald was thought to be an option, but he was traded in 2009 for Cliff Lee and played sparingly for the Cleveland Indians.
Cesar Hernandez’s name could also be thrown into the mix of second basemen who could play a part in the Phillies future, but he has proven to be nothing more than a mediocre role player.
Next: Rangers Showing Interest in Vince Velasquez at Trade Deadline