When a team is rebuilding, September is one bright spot in an otherwise downtrodden season. As the rosters expand, prospects in the upper minors have the opportunity to make their major-league debuts. This Phillies season would provide just that, were it not for the success of the Phillies’ minor-league affiliates.
Both AAA Lehigh Valley and AA Reading are bound for the playoffs. Lehigh Valley maintains a 3.5 game lead in the International League wild-card standings. Meanwhile, Reading has already secured a playoff berth as they posses a 1.5 game lead in the Eastern League East and the best record in the Eastern League.