Biddle enjoys successful homecoming
PHILADELPHIA » What goes around, comes around.
And so, it was Sunday for Jesse Biddle, the 26-yearold former first round draft pick of the Phillies.
The Germantown Academy product hurled two hitless, shutout innings with five punchouts to complete the Braves’ 10-1 win over the Fightins in front of 31,010 at Citizens Bank Park. The crowd included his parents and several friends.
“It felt like I had a lot of people out there,” Biddle said. “It was a cool experience. I don’t want to hype any one specific game over anything else. But it was cool pitching against guys who I played with growing up and who I came through the minor leagues with. I’m just happy that our team could play so well, and I could help us get a win.”
Biddle was the 27th pick in the 2010 draft. He wound up with arm trouble leading to Tommy John surgery. The Phillies shipped him to the Pirates, who ditched him. The Braves resurrected Biddle from the scrap heap. And there he was Sunday, getting the last six outs against one of the teams that gave up on him.
Did we mention Biddle’s opposite field RBI-double off Luis Garcia? It was Biddle’s first plate appearance, first hit and first MLB RBI.
“My dad has been telling me that I’m a Big League hitter for a long time now,” Biddle said with a smile, “ever since I was in Little League. So, I’m sure he feels like he’s been proven right. I closed my eyes. Luis Garcia is a good friend of mine. He has a disgusting sinker. I got very lucky.”
Biddle hurled a clean 14-pitch inning to help the Braves take a 9-1 lead into the ninth. He received a hearty welcome from Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker.
“I was happy that I was able to put up a couple zeroes when we needed it,” Biddle said. “Obviously, we were ahead by a lot and it’s always good to get it done quick. I’m just happy that I’m able to help the team, really. I’ve been working for a long time for this. I’m just trying to execute pitches. Good things are happening right now. I’ve just got to keep going.”
Biddle issued a walk to Andrew Knapp to start the ninth but ended the game with a strikeout of Jesmuel Valentin. Fittingly, it was Valentin’s big league debut.
*** Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford was sent to the 10-day disabled list with a strained right forearm.
Manger Gabe Kapler called it a Grade 1 pronator flexor strain.
“It should be a couple of weeks,” Kapler said. “We don’t have an exact timetable for you.”
Scott Kingery is for now.
Before long, Valentin could get a chance at short.
*** Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera walked in the first inning to reach base for the 29th straight game.
That’s the longest streak in the bigs.
It’s also the longest such streak since teammate Cesar Hernandez reached base safely in 29 consecutive games late last season.
Herrera went 0-for-2 the replacement active with couple of walks.
*** Jake Arrieta and the Phillies oppose Dan Strally and the Miami Marlins Monday night to begin a three-game series at CBP.
Arrieta is 3-0 with a ERA.
On Tuesday it’s Zach Eflin against Jarlin Garcia (10, 1.00), followed by Aaron Nola (3-1, 2.58) vs. Jose Urena (0-4, 4.91) Wednesday.
All the games p.m. starts. a are 1.82 7:10
*** NOTES » Aaron Altherr went 3-for-4 with a double and scored the Phillies’ only run. He’s 10-for-26 (.385) with five extra base hits in his last eight games. “I’m really, really excited about his atbats,” Kapler said. “They’re going very, very well.” … The same cannot be said for Altherr’s teammates. The Phillies struck out 13 times Sunday. Cesar Hernandez, Rhys Hoskins and Knapp each fanned twice … Phillies first baseman Carlos Santana, the defending Wilson defensive player of the year, committed a muff Sunday to end his errorless streak at 88 games.