That Balls Outta Here
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3 Takeaways from the Phillies’ West Coast Trip

By Gabrielle Starr

Jun 19, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws the ball to first base to try and catch a San Francisco Giants runner talking a lead off during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws the ball to first base to try and catch a San Francisco Giants runner talking a lead off during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Phillies have some rookies with bright futures

Luke Williams made his debut on June 8 and immediately impressed, getting a hit in his first at-bat, and hitting a walk-off home run in his first start the next night. With 11 games under his belt now, he’s hitting .355/.355/.581 with a .935 OPS, four doubles, and only five strikeouts in 31 at-bats.

Williams pinch-hit in the Dodgers series opener and started the other six games on the west coast trip. He went 7-for-21 (.333) with three doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI, only striking out twice. On June 16, he had his first career three-hit game, helping the Phillies win 2-0.

Williams’ plate discipline definitely leaves something to be desired, as he has yet to draw a walk, but the Phillies have to be grateful for his bat and the versatility he brings defensively; he’s already played multiple innings in each spot in the outfield, as well as at least two games each at second base, shortstop, and third.

Apparently, Williams can catch, too. Considering he signed for just over $700,000 in 2015 and would get the major league minimum this season, the Phillies are getting major bang for their buck with this rookie.

Matt Vierling was the latest prospect to be called up over the weekend, after already skyrocketing from Double to Triple-A this spring. Like Williams earlier in June, Vierling made an immediate impact during the Giants series. His sample size at the big-league level is a minuscule two games, but he’s 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored so far, including a hit in his first Major League at-bat.

The rookie outfielder’s .500/.500/.500 slash line and 1.000 OPS will undoubtedly regress as he progresses, but considering the Phillies’ farm system is ranked 23rd in MLB, it’s extremely encouraging to see their prospects doing well in the big leagues.

Even after these two series, it still feels too soon to tell if this Phillies team is worth a few upgrades before August. They begin a series against the division-rival Nationals on Tuesday night.

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