The Phillies’ 26th Man

Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (49) is doused with ice by first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) after a victory against the San Francisco Giants in his first MLB start at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pivetta Will Make His Fifth Start in Atlanta. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports.
Pivetta Will Make His Fifth Start in Atlanta. Photo by Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports. /

After two rocky starts for the IronPigs to open 2017, Jake Thompson put five consecutive solid performances together – three earned runs in 28 1/3 innings – and he was on his way to a call-up. Then, three starts through June 4 – 13 earned runs in 15 2/3 frames – cast doubt on the hurler in Allentown with the most MLB experience. But before the year began, he believed he just needed to pitch in the big leagues like he did for Lehigh Valley to be successful. Detour!

Updated stats:

  • Thompson: 10 gms., 48 2/3 Inn., a 2-5 mark and a 5.73 ERA.

"A MEAL FOR TWO: “When you have an inconsistent season, you learn a lot about yourself and your pitching.” – Mark Mulder"

Picking up where he left off for the IronPigs, Pivetta is the prospect with the best stuff. Yeah, the kind coaches, skippers and execs are looking for. Of course, management liked what they saw during his brief stint here, but will it be enough for another handful of outings?

Pivetta’s stats:

  • Triple-A April: 3 gms., 19 inn., 3-0 and a 0,95 ERA.
  • MLB: 4 gms., 19 1/3 inn., 0-2 and a 5.12 ERA.
  • Triple-A May: 2 gms., 13 inn., 2-0 and a 2.08 ERA.