Former big leaguer Brett Phillips signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association yesterday. The league announced him as a right-handed pitcher, so Phillips is continuing the attempt he began last summer.
The 30-year-old Phillips played in the majors as a depth outfielder between 2017-23. He suited up for five teams and played a little more than half his games as a member of the Rays. Phillips is an elite athlete and plus defensive outfielder, but he never reliably made contact. He hit .187/.272/.347 in just under 1000 big league plate appearances. Phillips made five appearances as a pitcher in blowouts. The results weren’t good, as he allowed nine runs with five walks and zero strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
Phillips committed to a new career path with a full-time mound move last year. He reportedly is capable of running his fastball into the mid-90s. The Yankees were intrigued enough by the idea to sign him to a minor league contract last July, but he wasn’t ready for game action. Phillips only made one Low-A appearance.
He failed to retire any of five opponents. He allowed two hits, walked two more, and hit a batter. He uncorked two wild pitches. New York allowed him to become a minor league free agent at the end of the season. Phillips will continue the process in the independent ranks in an effort to pitch his way back to affiliated ball.
This dude got a walkoff hit in the world series
And the runner who scored fell down like 3 times. And still scored before a tag could be made.
What, the steam shovel coal miners didn’t have an opening?
that guy is tenaciously chasing his dream. say what you will about the subpar bat, he is a strong athlete and was a strong defender. I got to watch him up close in a AAA game (Norfolk v Durham) and his interactions with the fans in right field was infectious. hard not to root for a guy with that kind of personality and passion for the game. doesn’t look like he’s impressed any clubs with his arm but I still hope he turns a corner and can get back to the bigs.
He’s widely regarded as an excellent teammate and clubhouse presence.
Mac, Brett is a personal friend and I couldn’t agree more with your comment. He loves people well and is a great guy. We’re all pulling for him because those are the type of guys you want to see succeed. There are too many guys who are full of themselves and forget that it’s a blessing to play a kids game for a job. Go Brett!
Airplane
He would’ve been a nice upgrade over Chase Harris in center for the explorers but the only former big leaguer we signed is John Nogowski
Strange note. Out of the 160 hits he had, he ended up having 99 RBI’s. That’s a 61.88% chance of an RBI if he got a hit.
That percentage is a lot lower when you add sacrifices, walks or productive outs that drove in runs
That’s true. And not the most uncommon stat. Just sort of interesting. Based on his level of play.
I saw him through a 94 mph FB with Tampa Bay on his first pitch of an appearance. Every other pitch was an Eephus pitch with a funky windup.
Uh, throw, not through. Good grief.