Símon Muzziotti off to red-hot start in May for Lehigh Valley

Símon Muzziotti is tearing it up in Triple-A. (Cheryl Pursell)

Back on the field consistently, Símon Muzziotti is tearing it up at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

For three seasons, unforeseen circumstances got in the way for the Phillies outfield prospect — a canceled 2020 minor-league season, visa issues in 2021 and a knee injury in 2022. But with an opportunity to play every day for the IronPigs this year, Muzziotti is taking full advantage.

The 24-year-old has had an excellent start to the season at the plate, and he’s only gotten hotter since the start of May. Muzziotti is batting .405/.490/.643 with five extra-base hits and three stolen bases in 11 games this month, going hitless in only one game. His season batting average is up to .388 with a .946 OPS in 34 games.

Muzziotti’s longest hitting streak of the season reached 13 games on Thursday before it was snapped the next day. He recorded five three-hit games and one four-hit performance in that stretch.

A left-handed hitter with a solid all-around approach, Muzziotti has been squaring up the ball and producing quality contact for the IronPigs. A quick runner, he’s stolen nine bases so far this season. Muzziotti is also an impact defensive outfielder. He’s played more left field than center to start the year, but has displayed an ability to play either position at a high level.

While the big-league team in Philadelphia appears set in terms of outfielders at this current stage, you never know when an injury might strike and create an opening. Muzziotti knows that as well as anyone after an injury to Mickey Moniak in the last Spring Training game of 2022 thrusted him onto the Phillies Opening Day roster last year for a short stint.

With nine games in the majors under his belt, Muzziotti can only control his own performance in Lehigh Valley before his next opportunity comes. But with the way he’s producing right now, he may be first in line when depth becomes needed.