Eickhoff promoted, will start Friday vs. Marlins
Sweeney, acquired in Utley deal, also called up to Majors
PHILADELPHIA -- This week in Miami the Phillies will get a look at two of the prospects they acquired in the Cole Hamels and Chase Utley trades.
The Phillies announced following Wednesday night's 7-4 win over the Blue Jays they had promoted Triple-A right-hander Jerad Eickhoff, whom they acquired in the Hamels trade with Texas. Eickhoff will start Friday night against the Marlins at Marlins Park. The Phillies also announced they have promoted second baseman/outfielder Darnell Sweeney, whom they just acquired in the Utley deal.
Video: Phillies get prospects Sweeney and Richy for Utley
Eickhoff is 2-1 with a 2.49 ERA in three starts with Lehigh Valley. He is the No. 15 prospect in the Phillies' organization, according to MLBPipeline.com.
Sweeney is ranked as the Phillies' No. 11 prospect after being the No. 13 prospect in the Dodgers' organization. He hit .271 (128-for-472) with 30 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 49 RBIs, 32 stolen bases and a .741 OPS in 116 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Video: Top Prospects: Darnell Sweeney, OF/2B, Phillies
MLBPipeline.com said about Sweeney: "Sweeney doesn't have a standout tool but can do a little bit of everything. He's a switch-hitter who has made strides in tightening his strike zone and possesses more power than most middle infielders. He has solid speed but is still figuring out how to use it after leading his leagues in getting caught stealing in 2013 and '14. He was also tied for most in the PCL when he was dealt to Philadelphia."
The Phillies also acquired Class A right-hander John Richy in the Utley deal. He is ranked as the Phillies' 30th-ranked prospect, and was 29th in the Dodgers' system. He went 10-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 22 games (18 starts) with Rancho Cucamonga.
Said MLBPipeline.com: "Richy can throw strikes with four different pitches. He can add and subtract from his fastball, ranging from 86-94 mph and maintaining his velocity deep into games. His heater features run and sink, and he uses his 6-foot-4 frame to leverage it down in the strike zone. Richy has good feel for his changeup and spins both a curveball and a slider/cutter. He has a clean delivery and works in the strike zone enough to profile as a durable end-of-the-rotation starter."