San Diego Padres ‘Player’ Struggles; JakeThompson Debuts
By Nick Fustor
San Diego Padres starter Paul Clemens briefly wore a generic uniform as he took on the Phillies top pitching prospect Jake Thompson.
In just his third start of the season for the San Diego Padres, Paul Clemens was shot into the spotlight after a “foreign substance” was discovered on his jersey and he was forced to wear a different uniform.
But that different uniform wasn’t one that read “Clemens” with his number, 47, across the back. Instead, Clemens was given a generic uniform that read “Player” with the number 91.
For a player simply trying to make his case to stay on the big league roster, that kind of attention is unnecessary. Clemens was quickly given his proper jersey back, but the damage was done. The 28-year-old lasted just 4.1 innings and gave up three runs on four hits.
The Clemens story largely overshadowed the debut of Phillies top pitching prospect Jake Thompson. Clemens didn’t just steal the spotlight for the jersey, but because he managed to out-pitch the 22-year-old.
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Thompson also lasted just 4.1 innings, but gave up six runs on seven hits with two walks and only one strikeout. While Thompson struggled, it’s common for young pitchers to falter in their debuts.
What’s notable about Thompson’s debut is the Phillies commitment to developing a strong core in their rotation for the 2017 season and beyond. Philadelphia could have kept Thompson with Triple-A Lehigh Valley – which is currently in the midst of a heated playoff run – but instead look to be building on their success from early in the season.
Thompson, who was acquired by Philadelphia in the Cole Hamels trade to Texas last season, figures to be a third potential ace alongside Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez. Thompson had a 2.50 ERA while allowing just 2.57 walks per nine innings.
Thompson looks primed for future success because of his lack of reliance on strikeouts, as he only had a 6.04 K/9 rate in Triple-A. His poise and command for a 22-year-old is nearly unprecedented, and will likely carry him into the Phillies rotation at the start of the 2017 season.
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At least for one night, Thompson was overshadowed by an opposing pitcher – which is a situation that likely won’t happen too often for the Phillies.