Phillies: Scott Kingery taking reps at third base for IronPigs

Phillies top infield prospect could move to the hot corner with Maikel Franco struggling in the big leagues

Phillies acclaimed prospect Scott Kingery has been making waves across the organization ever since the team drafted him in 2015. Drawing comparisons to Chase Utley at second base, Kingery is a favorite among a fanbase who’s yet to see him play.

Stuck behind Cesar Hernandez on the Phillies depth chart, general manager Matt Klentak must get creative in order to keep two solid players in his organization.

With Maikel Franco struggling at third base, the team appears to be giving Kingery reps at third prior to the game. Kingery has logged over 2,000 innings at second base as a minor leaguer and hasn’t played any other position since being drafted.

After hitting .313 with 18 home runs over 69 games in Double-A Kingery was promoted to the IronPigs. Through his first seven games, the 23-year-old has four home runs with a .282 batting average.

Early in the season when Franco struggled and Kingery thrived in the minors, some believed Hernandez could move to third long-term to pave the way for Kingery. Hernandez has 24 games logged at third base, the most at a position other than his current home at second.

There’s certainly room for Kingery to start at third on the IronPigs roster with veteran Hector Gomez currently manning the hot corner. Jesmuel Valentin’s shoulder injury allowed for Kingery to make the move from Reading to Lehigh Valley, where he continues to thrive under pressure.

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Don’t expect Kingery to appear in the Phillies uniform in 2017, no matter how bad the team plays or how well Kingery hits. With no room on the 40-man roster and Kingery still protected from the Rule 5 Draft the Phillies are better off protecting another prospect while they can.

Kingery will get a chance to play in the Futures Game alongside teammate Rhys Hoskins, which highlights the game’s best young players.