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Phillies Prospect Report: Another Dominant Arm in Lakewood

By Josh Starr |
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Fans look on as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-3. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Fans look on as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 16, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-3. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
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CLEARWATER, FL – MARCH 12: Nick Pivetta #74 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action at third base against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Spectrum Field on March 12, 2017 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL – MARCH 12: Nick Pivetta #74 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action at third base against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Spectrum Field on March 12, 2017 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Another Phillies pitching prospect is having a breakout year

In this week’s Phillies prospect report, we’ll check in on another member of the Lakewood pitching staff who has been lights out, a hitter trending up and two prospects that have been underperforming.

Trending Up: Will Stewart, LHP, Lakewood

In his first season in Lakewood, Stewart has been sensational, allowing just nine earned runs in 71.2 innings.  He’s shown impeccable command, striking out 60 hitters to just nine walks this year.

His best start of the year came on May 30th against Greensboro. In that outing, Stewart tossed a complete game three-hit shutout, walking none and striking out 10 in the 3-0 Lakewood victory.

So far, Stewart is 6-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 11 starts. He will be part of the South Atlantic League All-Star Game, which will be played on June 19.

Right now, the soon to be 21-year-old is my pick for the Phillies’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award.

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Trending Up: Joey Meneses, 1B, Lehigh Valley

Meneses has seen a power surge in 2018, passing his career-high nine home runs with ease.

This year, Meneses already has 12 round trippers and 37 RBI after 63 games. As of June 17, Meneses had a .294 average and has added 14 other extra-base hits (13 doubles and 1 triple).

It is his first year in the Phillies’ organization after spending time in the Braves’ system. He came at the right time with the Iron Pigs having a need at first base and he has taken advantage of his opportunity.

Interestingly, Meneses has been much better on the road, hitting .376  with 10 home runs away from Coca-Cola Park and just .221 with 2 home runs at home. He’ll have to be more consistent and is already 26 years-old, but Meneses has been a solid hitter in Lehigh Valley this year.

<> at Bright House Field on March 9, 2017 in Clearwater, Florida.
<> at Bright House Field on March 9, 2017 in Clearwater, Florida. /

Trending Down: Harold Arauz, RHP, Reading

Arauz opened the year with 5.0 shutout innings against Erie and entered mid-May with a sub 3.30 ERA. Since then, it has been downhill for the 23-year-old right-hander.

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Since May 13, Arauz has given up at least four earned runs in five of his seven starts. His last time out on June 14 was his worst start of the year. In that game, Arauz lasted just 4.1 innings and gave up nine hits and nine runs, seven of which were earned.

Overall, Arauz is 3-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 13 starts. He’s given up 74 hits in 71.1 innings pitched and opponents are hitting .270 against him.

He’s still young and it is his first full year in AA, but Arauz has pitched poorly this year and has plenty of room for improvement at just23-years-old.

SARASOTA, FL- MARCH 09: A general view of Spectrum Field during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays on March 9, 2017 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FL- MARCH 09: A general view of Spectrum Field during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays on March 9, 2017 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Trending Down: Kyle Martin, 1B, Reading

To say Martin has struggled lately would be an understatement. From May 30 to June 12, Martin went hitless in 22 at-bats. Despite two multi-hit games in his last 10 appearances he’s hitting .200 in his last 10 games.

Martin is a career .229 hitter, but his 2018 average was down to .196 for Reading.

He almost certainly won’t be a piece of the Phillies’ future, but if he improves he may be able to help his case for landing on a team where he has a chance to make it to the big leagues, whether by trade or free agency.

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If he starts hitting, he may find himself in the lineup more often. He’s only played 48 games this year and more consistent playing time may help him find his swing. As of now, he is probably not in the Phillies’ plans, but a surge in the coming weeks can help his trade value.

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