Around the Minors

Here’s a look at last night’s action around the Phillies minor league system:

GCL Phillies – Scott Mathieson’s long trip back to the majors is on track once again. After two Tommy John surgeries over the past three years, Mathieson is rehabbing in the rookie league as he attempts to climb the ranks. Last night he pitched a perfect inning, striking out two. He holds a spotless ERA in six innings over the past couple of weeks and has struck out 8 batters. It’s easy to forget that Mathieson, once rated as the No. 2 pitching prospect in the organization, is just 25. If his most recent surgery proves to be successful and Mathieson can resume his previous dominance of the lower levels, he could be mentioned among the top players in the farm system. He still carries a career K/9 ratio of 8.6 across all levels and could be an enticing bullpen option down the road.

Clearwater – He might not be on the level with Kyle Drabek or Joe Savery, but Mike Cisco is beginning to make some noise with the Threshers. Last night the righty picked up his third straight win, running his record to 6-1, as Clearwater won, 5-3. Cisco, who was drafted last year out of the University of South Carolina, gave up 2 runs (one earned) in 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out two. He has now allowed one earned run or less in 7 of his last 8 starts, posting a 1.4 ERA during that stretch in 45 innings and striking out 30 against 8 walks. Michael Durant went 2-for-3 with a double, homer and two RBI to help Cisco pick up the win.

Lehigh Valley – Recently acquired starter Brian Mazone made his third appearance for the Iron Pigs, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits in four innings of work. But the Hogs offense bailed him out to beat Rochester, 7-5. DH David Newhan went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI and the big shot came from J.J. Furmaniak, who hit a sixth inning grand slam. Catcher Lou Marson

went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts, holding his average at .302.

Reading – After a string of relief appearances, Tyson Brummett took the rubber as a starter for the R-Phils last night. His return to the rotation didn’t go very well, though, as he gave up 5 runs in the first inning and only lasted one more frame before being taken out. Reading tried to dig out of the early hole, but lost to Harrisburg, 5-4. First baseman Brian Stavisky provided most of the offense, slugging a two-run homer and an RBI double. Center fielder Quinton Berry went 3-for-5 with a double and his 32^nd stolen base of the year. Michael Taylor was held hitless in 3 at-bats, dropping his average to .337.

Lakewood – 19-year-old righty Jason Knapp, who has pitched very well despite a poor record this season, was bombed last night against Kannapolis in a 9-4 loss. Knapp (2-7) couldn’t make it out of the first inning, giving up 3 hits and 3 walks in .2 innings. All 6 runners scored, raising Knapp’s ERA to 4.01. Second baseman Hector Garcia went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and two runs scored. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud had two hits including a double and an RBI and Zach Collier legged out a triple.

Williamsport – The Crosscutters game against Auburn was suspended.