Aidan Miller is one of the top prospects in the Phillies organization. (Cheryl Pursell)
PHILADELPHIA — Prior to the Phillies wrapping up their nine-game homestand with a matchup against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday Night Baseball, manager Rob Thomson issued a series of updates.
Miller (back) — who will soon become the organization's unquestioned top prospect when Andrew Painter loses eligibility — has progressed to to taking grounders. He's now "doing everything except for swinging." The Phillies are hopeful that the 21-year-old will begin swinging this week "if everything goes well."
Phillies are hoping to get Aidan Miller (back) swinging this week, per Rob Thomson.
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Realmuto isn't in the lineup after he departed Saturday's loss early with "lower back tightness." At the time Thomson met with the media, the manager said he's "still a little sore." He was still being evaluated by doctors this afternoon, but the thought was that he won't need an IL stint and would be available in an emergency Sunday behind Rafael Marchán.
Wheeler allowed six hits and four earned runs over four innings for Double-A Reading in Somerset Sunday afternoon. He threw 77 pitches, 48 for strikes. The Phillies had hoped to get him up closer to 90 pitches, but there were some long innings from both teams. Thomson also noted that it was particularly cold, which may have contributed to Wheeler's velocity being down a bit.
As for what's next, Thomson said "we gotta get him back here and talk to him, and figure out what we're going with."
Wheeler has made five rehab starts. He can rehab for up to 30 days, so he could make one more tune-up start considering he started his assignment on March 28. If healthy, though, it's fair to wonder how much more the three-time All-Star can accomplish in the minors.
Rob Thomson gives his thoughts on Zack Wheeler’s latest rehab start and what comes next for the righty.
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Walker will not make his next scheduled start on Wednesday, with the Phillies deciding to use a to-be-determined opener. The expectation remains that Walker will pitch in the game, just not as the starter. Walker has a 24.75 ERA in the first inning this season.
As for what happens to Walker once Wheeler returns to the rotation, Thomson said he does expect the 33-year-old righty to still have a role on the pitching staff moving forward. Obviously, that doesn't necessarily mean he will be starting games, or even being used as a bulk pitcher.
When asked why the Phillies would keep Walker when the results haven't been good, Thomson had a short response.
"Well, we think he's gonna get better."
Thomson says that Kemp — who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley Saturday — will play left field and third base for the IronPigs, but "more left field than third base."
