Featherston Sees A Return To Majors
Photo: Cheryl Pursell
Friday 6/9/2017
It’s that time of year. Moving season. This is just about the spot where the organization once divested itself of all players named “Mitchell” in one day.
Prior to the season, we heard rumors that Taylor Featherston had been moved–but what was being picked up was a procedural roster move from March, which was why it was never announced by the team.
Today, two sources have told me that INF/OF Taylor Featherston is headed to the Tampa Bay Rays–MLB squad–today in a trade. The Phillies will receive cash considerations in exchange for Featherston.
One source speculates that 2B prospect Scott Kingery could be on the way to the IronPigs from Reading, but that move has not been verified.
Featherston, a rule 5 pick of the Angels prior to the 2015 season, remained with the team throughout. Infrequent playing time didn’t result in good numbers and may have stalled his development. As the Angels tried to sneak him through waivers following the season, he was snapped up by the Phillies prior to the 2016 campaign. He spent 2016 with the IronPigs until a mid-season call-up to the Phillies. After appearing in 19 games with the Phillies–and sporting a sub-Mendoza average–he was returned to the IronPigs for the AAA playoff push.
The 27-year old has found playing time in fits and starts with the IronPigs in 2017. With prospect JP Crawford at shortstop every night and slick-fielding utility man Pedro Florimon playing well, most nights “Feather” has to alternate at 3B with Hector Gomez. Although the man Junior calls “Bird” has found more at-bats since the injury to 2B Jesmuel Valentin, he has been used in left field lately to increase flexibility and to fill in for the injured Roman Quinn. While I did not think Featherston looked particularly good in left field, word out of Tampa is that his play in the outfield is part of the reason they wanted him.
Photo: Cheryl Pursell
Photo: Cheryl Pursell
Photo: Cheryl Pursell
Speculation from the Rays has the move needed due to the hip fracture to Kevin Kiermaier.
No further moves have been announced at this time.
@Kram209
cover photo by Cheryl Pursell
Categories: Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
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