Philadelphia Phillies Announce Demotion of Young Shortstop Before Astros Series
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Philadelphia Phillies Announce Demotion of Young Shortstop Before Astros Series
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox, looks on during team workouts ahead of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Getty
Jackson Kruse·HEAVY
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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 30: David Dombrowski, president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, looks on before a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: A detailed view of the hat and glove of Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 08, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 24: A Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat sits in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 24, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with J.T. Realmuto #10 (left) after pitching a complete game for the win against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) Getty
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies is doused with water bottles from Kyle Schwarber #12 and Brandon Marsh #16 (left) after the complete game win against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) Getty
ThePhiladelphia Phillieswill begin a three-game series against theHouston Astrosat Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia at 6:40 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.
Before Tuesday's game, the Phillies announced the demotion of a young shortstop in the organization.
Philadelphia Phillies Demote Young Shortstop Before Astros Series
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 30: David Dombrowski, president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, looks on before a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 30, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Phillies demoted 18-year-old shortstop Tyler Spangler from Single-A Clearwater to the Florida Complex League Phillies, according to his MiLB.com transactions tracker.
Philadelphia selected Spangler with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2026MLBDraft out of high school.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 08: A detailed view of the hat and glove ofBryson Stott#5 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning against theAtlanta Bravesat Truist Park on April 08, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Phillies assigned Spangler to the FCL Phillies in late July. After roughly a few weeks, the Phillies promoted the shortstop to Single-A.
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Spangler struggled in Single-A, collecting just six hits and six walks in 42 plate appearances. He struck out 10 times. Because of his struggles, the Phillies decided to give him more at-bats in rookie ball.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 24: A Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat sits in the dugout during the game against theMilwaukee Brewersat Miller Park on April 24, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
It's common for players to struggle immediately after being drafted, especially when it's out of high school. Spangler is young and should be back in Single-A next season.
Even though Spangler hit below .200, the fact that he walked six times in his 42 plate appearances is a reason to believe he can be a successful big leaguer one day. At 18-years-old, Spangler likely has at least a few years before he reaches the majors.
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Philadelphia Phillies Right Now
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates withJ.T. Realmuto#10 (left) after pitching a complete game for the win against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
The Phillies have won seven of their last 10 games. Before the Astros series, the Phillies split a four-game series against theAtlanta Braves.
Philadelphia currently has the first National League Wild Card spot with an 81-63 record. The club has a half-game lead over theChicago Cubs, the second NL Wild Card team.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies is doused with water bottles fromKyle Schwarber#12 andBrandon Marsh#16 (left) after the complete game win against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
In the division standings, the Phillies are four games back of the Braves for first place in the National League East.
The Phillies will wrap up their series with the Astros on Thursday afternoon. After that, they will head to Atlanta for a three-game set against the Braves.
