Phillies Promotes Giving Griff McGarry Promo Double Reading

Velez made a big deal in the minor league on Saturday.

Pitcher Griff McGarry, the team’s fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, was promoted from the High A Jersey Shore to Double A Reading. The Right Hand Armed with Power will begin reading sometime in the middle of the week in Richmond.

Double A is the level where potential customers are often separated from suspects, and it is not uncommon for players to jump from Double A to the majors.

As this season continues to unfold, McGarry could be a man who could rise to Philadelphia, perhaps as a savior, if the team is looking for a striking arm and pumping power.

The 23-year-old University of Virginia producer made 12 starts for the Jersey Shore and only allowed 33 hits in 46⅔ innings while hitting 82 and walking 24. He hit 34 hitters in 17⅓ innings in his last three starts. This run culminated with six stopovers in Wilmington on Wednesday night. Only one hit allowed, he walked four times and hit 11 on that outing.

Control can be an issue for McGarry – he was in college – but when he’s out, he’s electric with a lively three-figure fastball and a solid slider.

“We know Griff has a great arm,” soccer coach Rob Thompson said on Saturday.

Could an arm like this be tempting for a team in a race?

“Yes, sure,” said Thompson, “be careful not to raise any unreasonable expectations.” “He’s got a really good arm and it’s a really good prospect, so you never know.”

Ultimately, McGarry will determine how quickly he reaches the majors with his performance. But his combination of maturity – 23-year-old and very bright – and pure things put him on the map for a team who might consider any advantage they could get as they try to face a 10-year drought.