That Balls Outta Here
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3 Under-the-radar prospect picks by Phillies farm director Preston Mattingly

By Gabrielle Starr

Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the second inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 009
Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the second inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 009 /
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Phillies Griff McGarry
Virginia pitcher Griff McGarry (25) throws a pitch against Mississippi St. in the first inning during game eight in the NCAA Men’s College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Omaha, Neb.Miss St Virginia 007 /

Who is Phillies pitching prospect Griff McGarry?

Griff McGarry is the newest of the trio Mattingly named; he was the Phillies’ fifth-round pick in the 2021 Draft, and Sports Illustrated calls him a “hidden gem.”

Not so hidden, though, as the Texas Rangers drafted him in 2017. He opted not to sign, though, and honored his commitment to the University of Virginia, with whom he reached the College World Series last year. Facing Mississippi State, he pitched a no-hitter into the eighth inning.

In addition to having a surname that will thrill West Wing fans, McGarry impressed in his professional debut. Over 24 1/3 innings between Low and High-A, he posted a 2.96 ERA and held opposing batters to a measly .153 average. However, McGarry needs to lower his walk rate as he ascends through the Phillies system, as they already have plenty of pitchers who issue too many bases on balls.

The hard-thrower is now ranked 30th in the Phillies system, and his big-league ETA is 2024.

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