One of the top arms in the Philadelphia Phillies system is now only one step away from the majors.
Right-hander Griff McGarry, a hard-throwing fifth-round draft pick in 2021 out of Virginia, was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the organization’s player development staff announced on Monday morning.
McGarry, 23, is the third best prospect in the Phillies system after former first rounders Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, two starting pitchers at Double-A Reading. A starter for most of the season, McGarry was moved to the bullpen in his last outing for Reading before his promotion and threw two scoreless innings.
This change in role signifies that McGarry could be a potential relief option for the Phillies at the major-league level down the stretch. The team’s bullpen unit has been inconsistent in recent weeks as closer Seranthony Domínguez remains on the injured list with a triceps injury.
McGarry’s power arm has played across three minor-league stops so far this season, shown by his 3.18 ERA in 79 1/3 innings with 13.7 strikeouts per nine. If the success continues with Lehigh Valley, a big-league opportunity may not be out of the question for the young righty.