The Philadelphia Phillies have been adjusting their roster frequently because of injuries and underperforming players. However, the major league team isn’t the only one making changes recently. Their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, has also been active.
in recent, the IronPigs made significant roster changes, releasing several players, including former Phillies bullpen standout Ricardo Pinto. Also released were right-handed pitcher Max Castillo, left-handed pitcher Taylor Lehman, and infielder Nick Podkul.
One-time Phillies bullpen hero Ricardo Pinto becomes a casualty of mass Triple-A roster cuts
The Phillies signed Pinto to a minor league contract in February to provide additional pitching depth for the organization. Unexpectedly, he got his opportunity early in the 2024 MLB season when the Phillies designated Connor Brogdon for assignment following three poor outings to start the season.
Pinto’s most memorable moment came on the day he was called up. He fought through a traffic jam to get to the game, arriving by the fourth inning and making his Phillies debut in the sixth without a break. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four. Remarkably, he ended his eventful day by securing his first career save.
However, the feel-good story was short-lived. Pinto was designated for assignment by the end of the month after struggling in his subsequent appearances, posting a 10.97 ERA and 2.25 WHIP over six games. After clearing waivers, Pinto chose free agency but ultimately rejoined the Phillies organization, hoping for another opportunity that never materialized.
Phillies release three other underperforming minor leaguers
The Phillies claimed Max Castillo off waivers from the Boston Red Sox in February to bolster their pitching depth, thanks to his experience as both a starter and reliever. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old struggled in the minors, going 0-6 with a 7.62 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 14 games.
Taylor Lehman, who had spent six seasons in the Phillies’ minor league system primarily as a reliever, also faced challenges this year. With the IronPigs, he posted a 5.73 ERA and 1.79 WHIP, along with 29 walks and 37 strikeouts in 33 innings over 38 appearances.
Nick Podkul joined the Phillies organization during the 2022-23 offseason on a minor league deal. In 2024, he recorded a .231 average and .781 OPS, with 35 runs scored, seven doubles, nine home runs, and 34 RBIs in 60 games.
The IronPigs are currently chasing a potential second-half playoff spot. These releases, influenced by moves at the major league level, aim to maximize Lehigh Valley’s potential by adding impactful players to their roster for the stretch run.
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