Another piece of the future has arrived ... for now.
The Phillies on Friday recalled catching prospect Jorge Alfaro, along with reliever Ricardo Pinto, from Triple A Lehigh Valley ahead of the club's three-game road series against the Rockies. To make room for Alfaro, the Phillies optioned infielder Ty Kelly to the IronPigs.
Alfaro's call-up comes in light of catcher Andrew Knapp exiting Thursday night's 5-4 loss after taking a foul ball to his throwing hand. Knapp did not suffer a break and was diagnosed with a bruise.
Acquired in the 2015 Cole Hamels trade, Alfaro saw six games with the Phillies last season as a September call-up. In that stint, Alfaro went 2 for 16 with eight strikeouts and a walk.
In his first season at Triple A, the 24-year-old is slashing .241/.291/.358 with seven home runs, 43 RBIs, 113 strikeouts and 16 walks.
Alfaro, regarded for his rocket arm and raw power, is not in the starting lineup Friday and could be here for a short stay while Knapp recovers.
Pinto is back for an arm in the bullpen. His spot opened when right-handed starter Jake Thompson was optioned to Lehigh Valley late Thursday night.
