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Phillies Rule 5 Draft Prospect Watch List

By George Stockburger

Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World second baseman Yoan Moncada (11) tosses the ball to shortstop Willy Adames (right) in the third inning during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World second baseman Yoan Moncada (11) tosses the ball to shortstop Willy Adames (right) in the third inning during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Trey Nielsen (78) throws during pitching drills at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Trey Nielsen (78) throws during pitching drills at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Trey Nielsen, RHP: St. Louis Cardinals

Primarily a third baseman in college, Nielsen was moved to the mound by St. Louis despite recent Tommy John surgery. The organization’s 30th round pick in 2013, Nielsen has flashed a very good fastball with enough sink to force a lot of ground balls.

Last season he was primarily a starter in Double-A, pitching 122 innings for Springfield. He had 81 strikeouts, but his 38 walks are cause for concern. Towards the later point of the season he made one start in Triple-A, where he allowed only two hits through 5.1 innings.

Many project Nielsen to move to the bullpen and be a set-up man going forward. The Phillies could afford to throw Nielsen out of their bullpen to induce ground balls to end an inning. Nielsen is a legitimate option for a Phillies team looking for arms anywhere they can get them.

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