4 pitchers Dombrowski says could provide valuable depth to Phillies rotation in 2024
By Matt Dargan
Griff McGarry
Griff McGarry is a top Phillies pitching prospect with a lot to prove in 2024. The 24-year-old is knocking on the door of a major league call-up, and with top prospect Andrew Painter still recovering from Tommy John surgery, McGarry looks likely to begin his season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
McGarry took a major step back in 2023. In 17 starts at three minor league levels, he posted a record of 1-3, to go along with a 6.00 ERA in 60 innings pitched. Despite the numbers, Dave Dombrowski still has big expectations of the young right-handed pitcher.
“Yes, we’re hopeful that he will be [a starter],” Dombrowski told Coffey at the Winter Meetings. “But we also have to make sure we get him back to where he was before he went to Triple-A. So yes, we still think that we can do that, but I can’t tell you."
McGarry will have to show that he can handle upper minors hitters before he gets his chance at a promotion next season. It will be interesting to see what kind of workload McGarry sees in Spring Training, but it's clear from his 2023 minor league numbers that he has to establish better command and keep his walks down if he hopes to get back on track.
Is 2024 the year McGarry puts it all together and spends time with the Phillies? Let's hope so.