Which Phillies prospects took a major step forward last week?
With the Manny Machado sweepstakes heating up, the Phillies have to decide which prospects they’d be willing to give up to land the superstar shortstop. It’s likely to be a large haul, and could include prospects in this week’s prospect update.
Here are two prospects trending up and two who took a step back last week in the Phillies organization.
Trending Up: JoJo Romero, LHP, Reading
The 21-year-old left-hander didn’t have the best start to his season. In his first eight starts, he was 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA.
However, in his last ten starts Romero is 6-2 and his ERA has dropped all the way down to 3.80.
In his last start before the All-Star break, he tossed seven scoreless innings against Bowie, giving up six hits and striking out four in the victory.
His best start of the year came in a win against Trenton on May 30th. In that start, Romero hurled eight innings, gave up one run on five hits and struck out seven Thunder batters.
He’s shown all season long that he can pitch deep into ballgames. He’s pitched at least six innings in twelve of his eighteen starts. Furthermore, he’s reached 100 pitches ten times and has reached 110 pitches twice.
Romero is becoming a workhorse and his name has been thrown around in rumors about a Machado trade. It’s yet to be seen if he’ll be offered up, but his recent play has increased his value tremendously.