That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Five prospects who had breakout seasons in 2018

By Josh Starr

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 10: Enyel De Los Santos #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on July 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 10: Enyel De Los Santos #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on July 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 20: Cole Irvin #74 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait on February 20, 2018 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Cole Irvin, LHP, Lehigh Valley

Cole Irvin was one of the best pitchers in the International League in 2018. After having a 3.39 ERA in 2017, he came back this year and went 14-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 26 games, all but one being a start.

Irvin’s lone relief appearance came on Aug. 17 and it was a lengthy one. That day, he pitched 7.1 innings out of the bullpen, giving up no runs on two hits and earned the win.

The University of Oregon product was the model of consistency this year. He pitched six innings or more in 20 of his 26 outings and gave up three earned runs or less in 20 of his appearances.

On May 30 against Charlotte, Irvin picked up a win after pitching 8.2 shutout innings, giving up four hits, walking one and striking out six. He threw 117 pitches in what ended up being his longest outing of the year in terms of both innings and pitches thrown.

If Irvin gets the call to the Phillies next year, he could be a welcome addition to a starting rotation that lacks a left-handed pitcher.

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