Tyler Phillips makes his AA debut

Tyler Phillips’ stay at high-A Down East was brief and successful, earning him a promotion to AA Frisco, and he made his debut for the Roughriders against Corpus Christi tonight. Phillips went 5 innings, throwing 44 strikes out of 65 pitches, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs, striking out 2 and not walking anyone. Phillips is not a high strikeout guy, and his challenge in the Texas League will be to sharpen his command and miss enough bats to continue his success.

Also in Frisco, Peter Fairbanks, a two-time TJS guy, continued his push to be in consideration for a bullpen role for the Rangers with his second scoreless outing for the Roughriders, striking out 4 of the 5 batters he faced tonight. He’s now retired all 8 batters he has faced for Frisco, 6 by K, after fanning 15 of 51 batters he faced in Down East. His is a name to tuck away and keep an eye on.

Jake Latz had a very nice start for Down East, striking out 5 and walking none in 5 innings of work, giving up 3 hits and an unearned run. We had a Mike Matuella appearance, as he threw a scoreless inning, and Joe Barlow struck out all 4 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to 0.50.

In Hickory, Jonathan Ornelas had 3 more hits, raising his average to .339. As for Nashville, two more hits for Willie Calhoun today, and a walk. Ho-hum. Jose Trevino also had a couple of hits, and appears to be heating up after a slow start to the season.