Rule 5 Draft pick Song to report after Navy service change

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies have an surprising and severely fascinating arm coming to Spring Training.

Noah Song not too long ago transferred his service from lively responsibility to selective reserves with the Navy, permitting him to return to camp. When the Phils took Song within the Rule 5 Draft in December, they weren’t positive when he would possibly be capable of pitch. But now that he has been cleared, he’ll get a glance this spring.

Song will arrive Thursday.

Song should keep on the 26-man roster all the 2023 season to stay with Philadelphia. It looks as if an extended shot, nonetheless, in that he hasn’t pitched competitively since ’19. But there isn’t a denying that Song is an immense expertise. He fell to the fourth spherical within the 2019 Draft popping out of the United States Naval Academy due to his army dedication.

Song’s fastball touched 99 mph previously. But the trail to the massive leagues is a troublesome one, particularly as he tries to resurrect his profession and make the bullpen for the defending National League champions.

If Song doesn’t make the Phillies’ Opening Day roster, he might be traded or positioned on waivers. If he clears waivers, he might be returned to the Red Sox and be despatched to the Minor Leagues.

During Song’s four-year collegiate profession with the Naval Academy, he went 32-13 with a 2.37 ERA in 58 video games (54 begins) whereas recording 428 strikeouts in 334 1/3 innings. As a senior, he went 11-1 with a 1.44 ERA and had 161 strikeouts in 94 innings over 14 begins whereas limiting opponents to a .171 batting common. That yr, Song led all qualifying NCAA Division I pitchers in strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched (15.41).