Examining the Phillies Short-Season Pitching Prospects
By John Town
RHP Kevin Gowdy (GCL Phillies) – 6’4 170, 11/16/97
The Phillies paid Kevin Gowdy $3.5 million after selecting him in the second round of this year’s draft. Purportedly, the Phillies had their eyes on Gowdy long before selecting him.
Gowdy’s fastball already clocks in the low 90s, and he could easily see a few more ticks up as he matures. MLB.com liked his arsenal before the draft, saying he could have three above-average pitches in his fastball, slider, and change-up.
Phillies scouting director Johnny Almaraz praised Gowdy’s polish after the team selected him, saying:
"“I’m a believer you can’t teach somebody how to pitch. He’s got that innate ability to pitch and get hitters out and that’s what we want in this organization, frontline pitchers.”"
While Gowdy drew plenty of positive reviews after the draft, his time in the organization has been limited. Gowdy threw just eight innings in the GCL before suffering what he called a “slight strain of his thigh,” according to Jim Peyton of Phuture Phillies. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in a game since July 21, but he threw off a mound Tuesday.
It’s unlikely the team would rush Gowdy back to the mound this season, but he should get plenty of action in Instructs. If the team likes what he does this offseason and in extended spring training, he could see Williamsport next year, but is more likely to return to the Gulf Coast League.
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