Catching prospect Alfaro debuts with GCL Phillies

New Phillies prospect Jorge Alfaro made his Phillies organization debut on Thursday, going 1-for-1 while reaching base twice after being hit with a pitched ball.  Starting at catcher for the Phils’ rookie level Gulf Coast League team, the Colombia native left the game early after three plate appearances.

Reached via text message, Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said he saw Alfaro play in person and asserted that the 22-year-old is fine after the HBP’s.  Jordan also stated that the youngster will play again with the GCL club on Friday.

Alfaro was a key return from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade just a few weeks ago.  He was previously sidelined following ankle surgery.

Opposing runners went 0-for-1 against Alfaro in his organizational debut, as the young backstop gunned down the only potential base stealer.

Also competing in the game for the GCL team was 28-year-old Cuban Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who tossed four scoreless frames, earning a no decision as the starter.  Through four appearances, the right-hander has not allowed a run in 11 innings pitched.  Gonzalez has struck out 10 batter and walked four thus far.

This year’s top draft selection by the Phillies, outfielder Cornelius Randolph went 2-for-4 in the GCL team’s 5-0 win over the Pirates’ team on Thursday.  In 53 games, the 18-year-old has tallied a  .302/.425/.442 slash line.