The Philadelphia Phillies have continued to bolster their organizational depth with a recent addition.
While the Phillies are widely expected to pursue trades to strengthen their major-league roster before the August 3 deadline, they made a smaller-scale move on June 16 by adding to their farm system.
Per MLB transactions, the Phillies have inked utility infielder Riley Tirotta to a minor-league contract and assigned him to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils.
Tirotta’s release from the Toronto Blue Jays on June 9 came as a surprise, especially since he had been a non-roster invitee to big-league spring training. Originally a 12th-round pick by Toronto in the 2021 MLB Draft, Tirotta advanced through the minors as a versatile utility player capable of handling multiple defensive positions.
Last season, Tirotta performed well at Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons, posting a .268 average with 12 homers and 60 RBIs. That production earned him an invitation to major-league spring training, and he seemed to be trending toward an eventual MLB debut.
However, Tirotta’s offensive output dipped significantly to begin the current campaign. He managed only a .193 average with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs, while striking out 60 times—a slump that ultimately contributed to his release.
Now, just days after being let go, Tirotta has quickly found a new opportunity with the Phillies. He offers defensive flexibility at third base, first base, and both corner outfield spots. While he starts his Phillies tenure in Double-A, strong performance could open the door to a promotion to Triple-A, and possibly even a shot at the majors down the line.
Tirotta Recently Viewed as a Near-Call-Up Candidate
The Blue Jays’ decision to release Tirotta raised eyebrows, as he had been mentioned as a potential call-up option not long ago.
Earlier this year, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, who covers the Blue Jays, listed Tirotta among possible replacements for the injured George Springer.
“When it comes to replacing George Springer, the Blue Jays’ AAA position players include: Eloy Jiménez (R) Yohendrick Pinango (L) Jonatan Clase (S) Riley Tirotta (R) Charles McAdoo (R) RJ Schreck (L) Josh Kasevich (R). Only Clase is on the 40-man, but Jays have an open spot,” Nicholson-Smith posted on X.
Given that Tirotta was recently in the conversation for a potential MLB promotion, his release just two months later comes as an unexpected turn. Now 27, he’ll aim to revive his trajectory within the Phillies’ system.
Phillies Also Managing an Infielder’s Injury
Philadelphia’s signing of Tirotta, who primarily plays third base, came one day after an injury scare involving one of their infielders.
Starting shortstop Trea Turner exited Monday’s contest after being hit by a pitch and was held out of Tuesday’s lineup.
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly indicated that the injury does not appear to be serious at this stage.
“It looks like he’s going to be sore, so we’ll see,” Mattingly said. “See where that goes tomorrow. … Not really. Not at this point. I mean, if it gets to that point, then you consider anything that’s going to help us win. … Trea’s a big piece of what we are [and] what we’re going to be. If we’re going to be really successful, we’re going to need Trea.”
Philadelphia currently holds a 39-33 record and occupies the second Wild Card position.
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