Griff McGarry displays power stuff ahead of trade deadline

Griff McGarry is one of the top prospects in the Phillies organization. (Cheryl Pursell)

Taking the mound for Double-A Reading on Saturday, Griff McGarry put his power arsenal on display.

And with the second half of the season underway and Major League Baseball’s Aug. 1 trade deadline looming, the right-hander’s success could have some serious implications for the Philadelphia Phillies.

McGarry, 24, struck out nine batters over six innings for the Fightin Phils, allowing just one run in a 3-2 loss to Portland at FirstEnergy Stadium. His wipeout stuff was in full force as he set season highs in innings pitched and strikeouts.

After struggling a bit to begin the season. McGarry has put it together as the year has gone on. He’s started to pitch deeper into games and overpower opposing lineups. Through 11 starts this season, McGarry has a 3.63 ERA with 53 strikeouts in his 39 2/3 innings.

A fifth-round draft pick in 2021, McGarry stands as the No. 3 prospect in the Phillies system as a high-velocity, questionable-control righty who can make a major-league impact sooner than later. That status could make him a desired target for opposing teams over the next couple weeks.

With Bryce Harper slated to start playing first base soon to allow Kyle Schwarber to slide into the DH spot, the Phillies have a clear spot to upgrade in left field, with a right-handed bat perhaps fitting best. A team can always use more pitching down the stretch as well.

With starting pitchers Andrew Painter and Mick Abel also in the minor-league system, McGarry could be the prospect that the Phillies will look to trade in order to upgrade the big-league roster if the right player becomes available. His recent performance would certainly make him more attractive to another club.

But if McGarry is not traded, his development could be important to the Phillies in another way if they need pitching help near the end of the season. Although he’s been used as a starter, McGarry’s full-throttle stuff could play out of the bullpen in the majors soon.

Either way, the upcoming weeks and months have the potential to be crucial for the young right-hander. That’ll only be more likely if he keeps throwing the ball this well.