Phillies Overreaction: Jake Thompson is Already a Bust

It’s time to overreact and call Phillies pitcher Jake Thompson a bust

Acquired in the Cole Hamels trade by Ruben Amaro Jr. Jake Thompson was believed to be the best pitching prospect to come over from Texas.

Jerad Eickhoff has appeared to prove that otherwise with his unhittable curveball, but regardless the organization hopes Thompson can come up in a couple of months ready to stay at the major league level.

Thompson’s rookie campaign was far from impressive, finishing with a 5.70 ERA and allowing just as many hits as innings pitched.

Lefties hit .284 against Thompson, and he allowed five home runs apiece to lefties and righties.

It was evident Thompson was not ready for the Major Leagues, and his minor league career would continue. Thus far that aspect of his career has not been impressive either.

In each of his first two starts for Lehigh Valley Thompson has not gotten out of the third inning. Through a combined 4.2 innings this year in Triple-A Thompson has allowed 15 earned runs with six walks and a 28.93 ERA.

Now should we be over-worried about Thompson at this point? Probably not, however, you can not ignore a rough start in the majors then coming out of spring training with 15 earned runs like Thompson has.

Next: Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Washington Nationals

Nick Pivetta, Zach Eflin, and Ben Lively, on the other hand, have pitched very well for the IronPigs and are most likely next in line to be called up. Eflin will likely replace Clay Buchholz in the major league rotation next week after the former Red Sox injured his forearm.

After that, expect Pivetta, acquired in the Jonathan Papelbon trade with Washington, to get his call up to the big show. He struck out eight batters in six innings to help open up the IronPigs season, and is holding the Red Sox minor league team scoreless this afternoon.