Jake Thompson entered last season as the top pitching prospect in the Phillies’ system and a key piece of the trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas. He arrived Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park as almost an afterthought, an extra arm for a worn bullpen. The last 16 months have been a challenge.
“It’s definitely been a good learning experience for me. This is the first time in my career that I’ve really struggled for the better part of a season,” said Thompson, who has a 5.36 ERA in 18 starts at triple A. “I think in the long run it’s going to be good for me, learning how to fail and having to get back up and succeeding again.