Phillies call-up top prospect J.P. Crawford to big leagues
One of the top prospects in baseball is coming up to the Phillies tomorrow
Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford has been informed he’ll join the major league club on Tuesday, according to IronPigs beat reporter Tom Housenick.
Crawford, 22, was drafted 16th-overall in 2011 and has sat atop Phillies prospect rankings since day one. Originally viewed as the heir to Jimmy Rollins at shortstop the organization has moved Crawford across the infield in recent weeks.
The promotion comes after Lehigh Valley secured a playoff spot in the International League. Crawford understands what he’ll be missing, but knows his progression is more important.
“Playoffs best time to play baseball, but big leagues sound a lot better. Been working at it since I was 5 years old.”
After a sluggish start to his season in Lehigh Valley that culminated in a .199 batting average through the month of July several publications dropped Crawford in their rankings. Baseball America nearly took him off their top-100 list entirely after having him in the top-20 after the slow start.
Crawford responded to the critics with this tweet on July 12, which has been credited as the new start of his career.
All it is is motivation..
— jp crawford (@jp_crawford) July 12, 2017
Since that tweet Crawford has hit .286 with eight home runs and 29 walks for the IronPigs. His power suddenly emerged and his hitting clicked.
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Plate discipline is the secret sauce of Crawford’s success throughout his career. In 532 minor league games Crawford has walked 310 times while striking out 340; unprecedented numbers for a player his age.
Where the career-long shortstop plays in the Phillies everyday lineup is yet to be seen with Freddy Galvis Gold Glove defense holding down the ship. Crawford has gotten reps at third base and shortstop in recent weeks, which could spell the end for Maikel Franco.
Galvis has also received reps in the outfield in his career, most recently in center field.
The Phillies dropped an 11-7 game against the Mets on Labor Day despite making a comeback push late. Ben Lively is expected to face off against Jacob deGrom Tuesday evening in New York.