Prospect of the Day: Vance Worley, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

by John Sickels on Apr 29, 2025 12:15 PM EDT

Pitcher Vance Worley of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Vance Worley, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have promoted right-hander Vance Worley from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will start him tonight against the New York Mets. What should fans expect?

Worley was drafted in the third round in 2008, out of Long Beach State University. After a strong pro debut, he move directly to Double-A in 2009 and struggled, but returned to the same level in 2010 and was much more effective, posting a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts with an 83/36 K/BB in 112 innings. He pitched decently in eight Triple-A starts, earning a major league trial with the Phillies. In 12 major league innings last year, he posted a 1.38 ERA with a 12/4 K/BB. 2011 has also gone well: 2.78 ERA with a 25/6 K/BB in 23 innings for Lehigh Valley.
Worley works with an average fastball in the 88-93 MPH range, usually averaging about 91. He mixes in a slider, curveball, and changeup. While none of his pitches are spectacular, the combination is effective when his command is working, which it has been over the last year. Although he doesn't have ace-like stuff, he projects as a solid number three or four starter, an inning-eater type who can succeed with adequate offensive and defensive support.

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Comments

This guy sounds pretty good,

also even though they are hot the mets offense is nothing insane so its a good team to start of against.

by Jt Malley on Apr 29, 2025 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

Sounds like

Pat Hentgen. Is this a reasonable best case scenario?

by cookiedabookie on Apr 29, 2025 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

If I'm a Phillies fan

I certainly would rather have him than Blanton

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

http://www.domingobeisbol.com/

by hero66 on Apr 29, 2025 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

You sound like one of the many Phillies fans who underrate Blanton.

by phatj on Apr 29, 2025 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm an A's fan

I liked Blanton when he was here, but my statement says more about what I think of Worley than Blanton. I think he can be a better version of Joe as an innings-eater type while making a lot less.

"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"

http://www.domingobeisbol.com/

by hero66 on Apr 29, 2025 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn’t say you were a Phils fan.

I would love it if that were true. Tonight’s start certainly was promising.

by phatj on Apr 29, 2025 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

So he really just sounds like anyone who underrates Blanton.

Ichiro, on facing Daisuke Matsuzaka for the first time: "I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul. I plan to face him with the zeal of a challenger."

by DaleCoop14 on May 1, 2025 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure. But I’m a Phils fan so those are the ones I hear (or read) the most.

by phatj on May 1, 2025 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Good timing for Vance

He’s still fairly young, and gets a chance to prove himself while he’s zoned in. I think he has a real chance to take over the 5th spot in the rotation, but he’ll have to impress.

by auclairkeithbc on Apr 29, 2025 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

Good pitcher, great situation

He impressed in 2010, and now he has another chance with Blanton hurt and Oswalt on personal leave.

Stash him now in deep and NL-only fantasy leagues. A Blanton trade or SP injury could easily lead to him securing a permanent role in the Phillies rotation.

by Kapellmeisters on Apr 29, 2025 2:42 PM EDT reply actions