Minor-league week in review: Bryson Stott named Fightins MVP

Infielder Bryson Stott was named R-Phils MVP (Cheryl Pursell)

The final home series of the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils’ season was supposed to be this past week, but some unforeseen circumstances canceled the last series at FirstEnergy Stadium of the 2021 minor-league campaign.

As the visiting New Hampshire Fisher Cats dealt with a COVID-19-related situation, the series could not be played. Still, the Fightins made the most of their last chance to get together at the ballpark, hosting an event to announce their team awards.

Reading is still 44-64 with one week left to play; the Low-A Clearwater Threshers are 49-61; the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws are 53-59; the Florida Complex League Phillies are 23-13; the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who play into October, are 50-62.

Stott named R-Phils MVP

Infielder Bryson Stott was named the Reading Fightin Phils MVP on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium as the team celebrated the end of the season with its fans. The 2019 first rounder is hitting .296/.363/.481 with 10 home runs in 76 games since joining the Fightins in June.

Other award winners included R-Phils Pitcher of the Year Brian Marconi –who’s racked up 13 saves and 27 scoreless appearances for Reading — Clutch Player Award winner Josh Stephen — who hit two of Reading’s four walk-offs this season — and “Broadway” Charlie Wagner Unsung Hero recipient Madison Stokes — who’s played six positions and has the second most hits on the team.

Martin homers in return

Last year’s third-round pick Casey Martin was reinstated from the injured list on Friday, and he made his return to Clearwater a loud one.

The 22-year-old homered in his first game back for the Threshers. However, Martin was just 1-for-6 on the night, continuing a trend on the season — the raw power is there, but he’s struggled to get on-base consistently. Martin is now batting .194/.289/.602 with seven home runs in his first minor-league season.

García hits first High-A homer

On Friday, infield prospect Luis García hit his first home run since being promoted to High-A on Sept. 2. He went 2-for-3, also doubling in that game.

The 20-year-old shortstop has put together a solid season after struggling mightily in Low-A in 2019. After a year off, García is batting .254/.366/.793 with 12 home runs in 98 games between the Threshers and BlueClaws.

Crouse makes Triple-A debut

Right-hander Hans Crouse, acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline, made his Triple-A debut for the IronPigs on Saturday after being promoted from Reading.

Crouse tossed 4 1/3 innings against Worcester, giving up three earned runs and striking out six. He now has a 3.53 ERA in 19 starts this minor-league season.