There were a lot of things going on around the IronPigs and the Phillies minor league system in general while the team was on the road for the past week, so let’s get caught up.

YOU AGAIN?

... The Lehigh Valley IronPigs returned home this week for a six-game stint against the Worcester Red Sox. If you are thinking, ‘Wait, didn’t they just play Worcester?’ you would be correct. The WooSox - their name, not mine - were at Coca-Cola Park two weeks ago, but since teams in the Northeast Division are only playing each other this season, much like the famous poltergeists of early ‘80s movie fame, “They’re Back.” The season series between the two teams is only halfway, with 17 games remaining of the 35 that the two teams are set to play. Initially, the season series had 30 games between Worcester and Lehigh Valley, but Major League Baseball added 10 games to each team’s schedule, with Lehigh Valley having an additional five games in Buffalo and an additional five at home against Worcester to wrap up the season. And that will truly wrap up the season since there are no playoffs in minor league baseball this year. Hopefully, they’ll at least be given participation ribbons.

NO CAMPING

... Major League Baseball cancelled a Youth Camp that the IronPigs had scheduled for this month. The reason is because MLB set threshold levels for teams to reach in the number of players fully vaccinated and the IronPigs team fell short of that goal. MLB requires 85% of all field staff to be vaccinated in order to hold youth camps and the current roster falls short of that level. The team, according to media relations manager Mike Ventola, is hoping to be able to hold the camp in August if the team reaches the threshold. Refunds for the camp were given along with a voucher for a free game ticket for any game this season.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

... Scott Kingery is done for the season. The struggling infielder/outfielder went on the IL with right shoulder inflammation on July 1 and recently needed surgery to repair a torn labrum. The Phillies are hopeful that the 27-year-old Kingery will be ready to go when spring training rolls around late next winter and that he will be able to return to the form that earned him $24-million over six years from the Phillies just prior to the 2018 season. Kingery is guaranteed $4-million this season, $6-million in 2022 and $8-million in 2023 with team options for three seasons following that.

READING RENOVATIONS

... Back in June, MLB told the Phillies, the Reading Fightins and the City of Reading that FirstEnergy Stadium, which is billed as “America’s Ballpark” by the team, needed major renovations to continue as a minor league affiliate. The plans which were drawn up have a price tag of $16-million. The City of Reading, the team and Berks County have all committed $3-million to the project and are looking toward a grant from Harrisburg for the rest through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Improvements include a new building past the right field stands for home and visiting clubhouses, team dining areas and improvements to the dugout and bullpen. The team has until 2023 to complete the renovations, which could begin as early as next spring if the state funding comes through.

HIRING A PAINTER

... The Phillies signed first round draft pick Andrew Painter to a professional contract after taking him with the 13th overall pick in the MLB Draft on July 11. The 6-foot 7-inch Painter is a right-handed pitcher from Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Painter has opted out of his commitment to the University of Florida to sign with the Phillies. This season, Painter threw 45 1/3 innings and struck out 91 batters, while holding hitters to a .119 average. His season ERA was a scant 0.31. The Phillies have signed their first 11 picks to contracts and are continuing to pursue deals with the other nine.

LAST YEAR’S TOP PICK

... Last year the Phillies picked 15th and chose another right-hander, Mick Abel out of Jesuit High School in Oregon. Abel, who turns 20 next month, is pitching at Low-A Clearwater this season and has a 1-3 record with a 3.92 ERA in 13 starts with 63 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings.