Francisco Morales #45

Signed by the Phillies as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2016.

2023

Appeared in 22 games with Triple-A Leigh Valley, going 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA (19 ER in 25.1 IP)...Played nine games for Leones Del Caracas of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.

2022

Began season with Reading (AA), starting his season with a 13.1-inning scoreless streak, 4/10-5/1...Was recalled by the Phillies on 5/8 for his first ML stint...Made his ML debut on 5/9 at SEA and worked 2.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts; struck out the first two batters he faced (Jared Kelenic & Cal Raleigh)...Recorded his first save on 5/13 at LAD, becoming the youngest Phillies pitcher (22 years, 198 days) to earn a save since Fabio Castro (21 years, 250 days) on 9/27/06 at WSH...Optioned to Reading on 5/15...Posted 1.80 ERA (2 ER, 10.0 IP) in 10 appearances for Reading in July...Was recalled for a brief second stint with the Phillies on 8/2 and optioned to Lehigh Valley (AAA) the following day, where he spent the remainder of the season.

2021

Began season at the alternate training site in Lehigh Valley and was assigned to Reading (AA) at the beginning of the minor league season...Led all Phillies minor league pitchers in strikeouts (117)...Was 2nd in Double-A Northeast in strikeouts (110) and averaged 11.93 SO/9.0 IP (83.0 IP)...Had a 3.00 ERA (8 ER, 24.0 IP) in five July starts...Named Double-A Northeast Pitcher of the Week, 7/12-18 and 9/13-19...Was promoted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) on 9/22 for the remainder of the season.

2020

Did not pitch...Following the season, was named the No. 4 prospect in the Phillies minor league system by Baseball America...Participated in Florida Instructional League.

2019

Named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month for August...Spent the entire season with Lakewood (A), leading the club in strikeouts (129)...Ranked T-7th in the South Atlantic League in strikeouts...Averaged 12.01 SO/9.0 IP (129 SO, 96.2 IP)...Limited LHH to a .196 AVG (30-153) and .564 OPS...Held opponents to a .216 AVG (21-97) with RISP...Had a season-high 10 strikeouts, 5/22 at Delmarva (4.0 IP)...Selected as Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week, 7/1-7...Participated in FIL...Following the season, was named the No. 4 prospect, and rated as having the best slider in the Phillies minor league system by Baseball America.

2018

Spent the entire season at Williamsport (A)...Led all Phillies short-season minor league pitchers in strikeouts (68)...Ranked 3rd in the New York-Penn League in strikeouts and T-7th in games started (13)...Named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week, 8/20-26... Averaged 10.86 SO/9.0 IP (68 SO, 56.1 IP)...Participated in FIL...Following the season, was named the No. 10 prospect in the Phillies minor league system by Baseball America.

2017

Began professional career with Gulf Coast League Phillies (R)...Was 9th in the GCL in strikeouts (44)...Earned first pro win, 7/6 vs GCL Pirates...Held RHH to a .194 AVG (19-98)... Held opponents to a .196 AVG (9-46) with RISP...Went 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA (4 ER, 21.2 IP) and 25 SO in his final five starts...Participated in FIL.