While the Philadelphia Phillies are trying to capture a playoff spot at the big league level, fans still have their eyes on two prospects down at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Andrew Painter Finds Encouraging Form at Triple-A

Top prospect Andrew Painter, who has struggled in recent starts, had maybe his best start of the season, tossing five innings, giving up just three hits with six strikeouts with no walks.

Overall, Painter’s season has been disappointing, but this was a step in the right direction for the Phillies’ top prospect after giving up six earned runs in each of his previous two starts.  He is 5-7 with a 5.21 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 117 strikeouts in 114 innings pitched this season between two levels.

The team’s No. 2 prospect, Aidan Miller, got his first Triple-A hit for Lehigh Valley, hitting a double in his first at-bat for his first hit since being promoted, going 1-4 with a run scored.

Miller is the team’s top positional prospect and just got promoted from Double-A Reading, and in his first game showed flashes of why the Phillies like him.  In five plate appearances, Miller walked three times and stole three bases, scoring a run.

The 21-year-old hit .259/.382/.427 at Double-A Reading with 13 home runs and 51 steals.

Should Phillies Consider a Call-Up for Miller?

I asked ESPN’s Paul “Hembo” Hembekides if he thinks the Phillies should consider bringing Miller up the big leagues before the start of the MLB playoffs.

“I do,” Hembekides said emphatically on The Sports Bash. In a low-stakes environment you can actually see what this kid can do. If he ends up going 1-for-30 you can absorb it because you have an eight game lead in the division.  If he winds up going 12-for-30, who knows?  You might have yourself something.”

The move could allow the Phillies to keep Edmundo Sosa in his utility role with Bryson Stott and play third base while Alec Bohm is on the injured list, while taking a look at Miller at shortstop.

Hembo Sees Parallels to Evan Carter and Rangers

Hembekides brought up the Rangers promoting 20-year-old Evan Carter late in the season, and helping Texas’ win their first World Series title in 2023. Carter came up for the final 23 games of the regular season, hitting .305 with five home runs and 12 RBI. During the Rangers 2023 postseason run, Carter hit .300, with a .417 OBP, one home run, six RBI and three stolen bases in 17 playoff games.

A Low-Risk Opportunity Before October

“It doesn’t do you any harm to at least give him a shot,” said Hembekides.  These next three weeks you are operating in a low-stakes environment.”

With October looming, Painter’s rebound and Miller’s performances add intrigue to the rest of the season as the Phillies’ make their final playoff push. Whether or not Miller gets the call, both prospects remain key pieces in the organization’s long-term outlook.

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