Phillies address pitching, infield on day two of MLB Draft

STANFORD, CA - JUNE 02: Stanford Cardinal pitcher Erik Miller (26) leads off the game with a pitch in the Regional Champions game between Stanford and Fresno State on Sunday, June 02, 2019 at Klein Field in Stanford, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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STANFORD, CA – JUNE 02: Stanford Cardinal pitcher Erik Miller (26) gets team congratulations for finishing up the top of the 1st inning in the Regional Champions game between Stanford and Fresno State on Sunday, June 02, 2019 at Klein Field in Stanford, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Finally, the Phillies took the collegiate left-handed pitcher many were looking for early in the draft.

The Stanford Cardinals lefty is a big presence on the mound at 6’5, 240 pounds and he brings the heat behind his big body. Scouts have clocked Miller throwing at hard as 97 MPH with an above-average slider to go with it despite an easy throwing motion.

Scouting reports say that while Miller has the velocity he struggles with command. That’s to be expected with a young pitcher, and hopefully the Phillies minor league staff can rein him in.

MLB.com projects Miller as a reliever who can dominate lefties, and Baseball America says they could see him start his career in the rotation.

. RHP. San Joaquin Delta College. Gunner Mayer. 150. player. 6

Philadelphia’s first junior college pick of the draft came in the fifth round with Gunner Mayer.

Mayer is another big presence on the mound at 6’6 with room to fill his frame. The lanky righty has a violent throwing motion with wicked fast arm speed.

MLB.com didn’t rank Mayer, while Baseball America had him as their 222nd overall prospect. BA has his fastball at 94 MPH mixed with a power curve that makes him a “high-profile” JUCO prospect.

Mayer is committed to Texas Tech, so we’ll see if the Phillies can offer enough to sign him.