Josh Phegley needs to be a September callup
Sep 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Josh Phegley (36) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox really need to call-up Charlotte Knights catcher Josh Phegley to the MLB roster when September call-ups arrive next month.
Heck, in my opinion, Phegley should already be on the MLB roster for the White Sox, as he was recently named to the International League Postseason All-Star team.
This season with the Knights, Phegley in 103 games is batting .283 with 23 home runs, 29 doubles and four triples, not to forget 74 RBIs and 30 walks.
In 482 career MiLB games, the Triple-A Knights catcher is batting .267 with 67 career home runs.
Phegley got some time at the MLB level last season, as he does have 65 games of MLB experience with a .206 average. While with the White Sox, he has 42 hits, seven doubles, four home runs and 22 RBIs.
Let’s compare what Phegley has done in Triple-A to what current White Sox starting catcher Tyler Flowers has done this season.
Aug 12, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) throws the ball for an out at first base as Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) safely reaches second base during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
In ’14, Flowers in 108 games has a .235 batting average with 81 hits, including 12 doubles, one triple and nine home runs. Flowers also has 40 RBIs.
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I know the White Sox still believe in Flowers, but why isn’t Phegley getting an opportunity to see if he’s improved enough to play at the MLB level on a full-time basis?
If not, well, the White Sox really need to look for a quality catcher this offseason. Sure, Flowers has had his moments, but they need a better average from their catcher … bottom line.
Back to Phegley being called up … what can it hurt? He deserves to be on the MLB roster, and if he isn’t one of the call-ups next month, it will be a big mistake by the White Sox yet again this season.
Thoughts?