4 Phillies players most deserving of a September call-up
Being called up on September 1 is no longer quite the spectacle it used to be. Whereas previously rosters expanded up to 40 players they now increase by just two, from 26 to 28.
In one respect this can be perceived as unfair for peripheral players, just looking for that one opportunity to get/return, to the Majors and show what they can do. At the same time, it makes it more intriguing when considering who will get that golden chance to prove themselves in the bigs.
For the Phillies specifically, neither of their top two prospects will be in consideration to be called up come September. Andrew Painter is now out until at least 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, while it's too soon for Mick Abel, who still has work to do on his game in Double-A Reading.
This leads to the question of who will actually get the call up by the Phillies? Here are four candidates to consider, who all have legitimate claims to be in the Majors as of September 1.
NB - All statistics up to and including August 13.
Griff McGarry
If we're talking just pure talent, then calls for Griff McGarry to be promoted to the Majors make total sense. He is often referred to as one of the top pitching prospects in the game.
McGarry has a fastball which can reach 100 mph, with an enticing backup combo of a slider and curveball. Heck, even his changeup is considered above average.
Of course, it's about more than just having the talent and potential - you also need to be able to put it all together on a consistent basis. In terms of the righty specifically, his main challenge has been issues with his location.
One area where this has been highlighted, is in McGarry averaging 5.9 walks per nine innings during 13 starts in Double-A Reading. However, in stark contrast, he has also displayed his sensational arm strength with 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
In addition, the 24-year-old has impressed in limiting opponents to a .163 batting average during this season in Double-A. Combined with a 3.79 ERA and 1.226 WHIP, there's enough to be encouraged by.
As a result, McGarry earned a promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for the second consecutive season earlier this month. It didn't quite go to plan however, as he allowed seven hits, three walks and eight runs during 2.2 innings in his first start.
Despite this, the thinking among baseball analysts is still to seriously consider the San Franciso, California native for a call-up in September. This is a caveat however, to use him out of the bullpen as opposed to in the rotation.
Kody Clemens
Despite not playing the same position as his father, Kody Clemens still has a tough act to follow. Even allowing for accusations of steroid use, Roger Clemens has an 'intimidating' resume for anyone to try and match, never mind his own son.
Regardless, Clemens' own path to professional success saw him make his Major League debut last season, while still with the Tigers. He went on to appear in 56 games, although his performances were nothing to write home about.
The 27-year-old was traded to Philadelphia this past January and spent the majority of the first half of the regular season with the Phillies. However, despite showing encouraging offensive improvement, he was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley at the start of July.
Since then, Clemens has been working on his approach and discipline at the plate and, in his own words, making a concerted effort to 'trust the process'. This mindset has seen him reap the benefits.
Certainly, the results are there for all to see, with 10 home runs and 30 RBI in 32 games. This production has contributed towards a .267/.378/.583 slash line and .961 OPS.
During August, Clemens has taken his play to another level, with seven home runs in nine games. This was highlighted by hitting three blasts in one game for the first time in his professional career, during a 17-6 win last Thursday versus Rochester.
Further helping the case for the Houston, Texas native to be recalled by the Phillies, is his defensive versatility. Consider that in his short-lived Major League career to date, he's already seen playing time at first, second and third base, as well as in left and right outfield.
Simon Muzziotti
Prior to the trade deadline, The Athletic picked Simon Muzziotti (subscription required) as the player most likely to be moved by the Phillies. Ranked 10th at the time in the farm system -- he's now ninth -- he provided a balance between not being one of the top prospects but also offering enough potential to intrigue other ballclubs.
Ultimately Muzziotti stayed put and has continued to play well in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In fact, well enough to deserve another opportunity with the Phillies
The left-handed bat made his Major League debut last season, but his opportunities were too limited to get a real idea of what he was capable of. He wasn't helped by suffering a partially torn right patellar tendon, which caused him to miss a majority of the 2022 campaign.
This year, Muzziotti is having his best offensive season yet in Triple-A, even though a lack of power is highlighted by just four home runs. He's made consistent contact with the bat regardless, with 47 RBI, a .319/,379/.427 slash line and a .806 OPS.
The 24-year-old's speed has often been described as arguably his biggest strength. He's had plenty of opportunities to show this thanks to his strong batting average, highlighted by a team-leading 24 stolen bases once he gets on 'board'.
Understandably, this speed is also a great asset on defense, wherever Muzziotti lines up in the outfield. It also provides an advantageous compliment to his arm strength, which is decent rather than excellent.
There is the challenge of trying to fit into a crowded outfield, which partly provided the rationale for considering trading the Venezuela native. However, the combination of his play and two extra roster spots as of September 1, means he deserves the chance to at least be called up by the Phillies.
Drew Ellis
Drew Ellis showed enough potential as a youngster, for the Arizona Diamondbacks to select him 44th overall in the 2017 draft. However, it's been a challenging journey in his attempts to succeed.
Ellis made his Major League debut with the Diamondbacks in 2021, but struggled to make an impact (both figuratively and literally). In 28 games, he struggled with a lowly .130/.277/.203 slash line and .480 OPS.
The following season saw the 27-year-old split his time between Arizona and Seattle, after the Mariners claimed him on waivers. Overall though opportunities were few and far between, with just seven combined appearances in the Majors.
Fast forward to this year, and Ellis agreed a Minor League deal with the Phillies in April. He's impressed enough since, to earn promotion from Double-A to Triple-A, and also spend some time in the Majors.
During his 12-game spell with the Phillies, the Louisville, Kentucky native again saw an offensive imporvement. And while a .217 batting average might not stand out, he did produce a compelling .858 OPS.
Since being optioned back to Triple-A, Ellis has proved to be steady. Overall on the season he's hit 10 home runs and 37 RBI in 46 games for Lehigh Valley, with a .230/.325/.460 slash line and .785 OPS.
The right-handed bat evidently has some power in his swing, while particularly hitting well versus southpaws. Overall, he's progressively taken his fitness more seriously, is performing better at third base and would be a decent choice to get another opportunity with the Phillies in some capacity.