Phillies promote 2022 first rounder Justin Crawford to High-A

Justin Crawford is heading to Jersey Shore. (Cheryl Pursell)

Last year’s Philadelphia Phillies first-round draft pick is making his way up in the organization.

Outfielder Justin Crawford, the No. 17 overall selection in the 2022 draft, has been promoted to High-A Jersey Shore, the BlueClaws announced on Tuesday. He had spent this season with Clearwater in the Low-A Florida State League.

Crawford, the 19-year-old son of former Rays All-Star Carl Crawford, is a speedy center fielder with defensive ability, advanced bat-to-ball skills and tremendous base running. The left-handed hitter batted .344 in 69 games for Clearwater this year with 40 stolen bases. He participated in the All-Star Futures Game in Seattle during the MLB All-Star festivities last month.

The main downside of Crawford’s game to this point, however, is that he frequently hits the ball on the ground. He’s hit only three home runs this season, and, while he’s been able to still find results while putting pressure on lower-level pitching and defensive infields, he’ll likely need to put more balls into the outfield and in the gaps to be successful as he moves up.

Joining the BlueClaws in the South Atlantic League will be a challenge that Crawford has earned, as well as an opportunity to see if he can make adjustments against stronger competition. Crawford has produced so far in his first full professional season, and another solid stint at his next stop would be a positive sign for his development as a prospect and standing in the Philadelphia minor-league system.

Infielder Bryan Rincon was also promoted from Low-A Clearwater to High-A Jersey Shore. Outfielder Marcus Lee Sang moved from Jersey Shore to Double-A Reading, the Fightins announced Tuesday.