Pitching prospect Hans Crouse promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley

Hans Crouse will pitch for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Cheryl Pursell)

Hans Crouse set a goal to help the Philadelphia Phillies at the major-league level this season. It might still be a long shot, but at least he’s now a step closer to the bigs.

The right-hander is being promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley from Double-A Reading, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday, according to Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“I’d love to be a part of the mix in September with the Phillies if they need some help,” Crouse told Phillies Nation last month. “That’s definitely a goal of mine.

“If not, I would love to be up there some time next year with them — bullpen, starting, I don’t care. I just want to help the team win.”

That statement from the 22-year-old came during his first home series as a member of the Reading Fightin Phils after he was traded to the Phillies organization at the trade deadline. Crouse was acquired from the Texas Rangers along with major leaguers Ian Kennedy and Kyle Gibson in exchange for Spencer Howard and two minor-league pitchers.

In his time with the R-Phils, Crouse made five starts with a 3.42 ERA over 23 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 11 batters per nine innings.

Known for his flair on and off the field, Crouse also brought a deal of intensity to the Fightins staff that he’ll take with him to Triple-A.

“His personality is great,” Reading pitching coach Brad Bergesen said in an interview with Phillies Nation last month. “His work ethic is awesome. The demeanor — he’s got a lot of old-school baseball in him, which is refreshing, just that mentality.

“And he’s a fun guy to watch pitch. He’s gonna get it and go. He’s gonna go right after guys. He’s gonna have good tempo, good aggressiveness and good demeanor on the mound.”