The Phillies announced they’ve selected the contract of catcher Rafael Marchan before the second game of today’s doubleheader with the Marlins. Right-hander Connor Brogdon was optioned to the alternate training site, while southpaw José Álvarez has been transferred to the 45-day injured list to open space on the 40-man roster.
Marchan currently ranks seventh among Phils’ farmhands at Baseball America. He’s drawn plaudits for his advanced receiving and game calling skills behind the plate. The 21-year-old has demonstrated strong bat-to-ball skills in the low minors, never striking out at greater than an 11.7% clip at any stop.
In the short-term, he’s likely on hand as injury insurance. J.T. Realmuto left last night’s game with hip discomfort and didn’t play in the first game today. Andrew Knapp will get the nod behind the plate in both sides of the twin bill.
Álvarez has been on the 10-day injured list since August 21 after taking a comebacker off the groin. At last check, he was hoping to return in the playoffs if the Phils qualify; there’s no indication those plans have changed.
Brogdon looked much improved today. that’s a good sign going forward.
Sixto looks legit.
Is Sixto related to Ferguson Jenkins or Ryne Sandberg?
JT Realmuto is lightyears better then the returns those two got back
But only for 2 years. The long term consequences may be similar.
Yeah. Brogdon looked great. Only positive from today’s game 1.
Marchan is an interesting player… he rarely strikes out but he also hasn’t hit a single HR in the minors yet. Granted he is still young, hes also quite small for a catcher at just 5’9″ — not saying a switch-hitter with contact skills as good as his seem to be can’t make it in the big leagues without power — but it’s just really rare to see a catcher that small without power In this day in age.