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Jake Thompson Named Most Valuable Pitcher of the International League

By George Stockburger |
Aug 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jake Thompson (44) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jake Thompson (44) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

While his transition to the major leagues hasn’t been smooth, Jake Thompson is being recognized for his work in Lehigh Valley this season

One of the Phillies top prospects is getting major recognition after a stellar season with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

Jake Thompson, the Phillies top pitching prospect, has been named the Most Valuable Pitcher of the International League. The young right-hander finished in a tie for the most wins (11) and the highest-winning percentage (.688) among qualified pitchers.

He finished the season with 2.50 ERA in 21 games, while holding opponents to a .225 batting average. Thompson struck out 87 batters while allowing 37 walks in over 129 innings.

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This is the third time an Iron Pig has won the International League Most Valuable Pitcher award. The previous two were Tyler Cloyd (2012) and Justin Lehr (2009).

Despite his great success with Lehigh Valley, Jake Thompson has struggled in the major leagues since being called up earlier this month.

Wearing Phillies pinstripes, the club’s top pitching prospect is 1-4 with a 7.86 ERA in five starts. He’s allowed 29 hits and 23 earned runs in just 26.1 innings. Also troubling is his 8/7 strike out/walk ratio.

Thompson was acquired in the July 2015 trade that sent LHP Cole Hamels, LHP Jake Diekman and cash to Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP Matt Harrison, C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Jerad Eickhoff, OF Nick Williams, and RHP Alec Asher.

The Phillies are expected to shut down Jake Thompson in the coming weeks to maintain his long-term health. He’s thrown 156 innings this season between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia. While no specific innings limit has been set, clubs typically try to limit young pitchers to anywhere from 180-200 innings.

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