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Plenty of concern for IronPigs’ Brito

Days after IronPigs third baseman Daniel Brito collapsed on the field during a game in Rochester, little is known about his condition or what caused the medical emergency.

In the bottom of the first inning of what was supposed to be a doubleheader with the Red Wings on Saturday, Brito started to stagger near the third base bag and was initially caught by Rochester manager Matt Lecroy, who was coaching third base at the time.

IronPigs manager Gary Jones and shortstop Nick Maton also rushed to help Brito and eased him to the ground as medical crews were called onto the field.

All that is known is that Brito was then rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he underwent surgery Saturday night, and then a second surgery early Sunday morning. The Phillies arranged for Brito’s girlfriend and her sister to travel to Rochester, and are attempting to get Brito’s mother to the United States from Venezuela.

Both games of the doubleheader, along with Sunday’s game, were postponed because of the incident, and the IronPigs returned home where they open a six-game homestand against Buffalo that lasts through Sunday.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi was on MLB Network Radio on Monday and spoke emotionally about the incident.

“It’s too early to tell. I probably wear our trainers out calling them for updates, but it’s too early to tell,” Girardi said before pausing for a second. “Again, I would just ask everyone to pray for him.”

Brito, 23, is well-liked among his teammates, and was in his first stint at the Triple-A level after starting the season at Double-A Reading. With the Fightins, he hit .296 with six home runs and 22 RBIs in 63 games. At Lehigh Valley, he had played in eight games with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .286 average.

Rafael Marchan - who is very close to Brito and had been promoted to Philadelphia - was taken into the clubhouse and told about the incident during batting practice in Pittsburgh. Marchan asked to see the video, which was played for him. Later, Marchan talked about his relationship with Brito.

“He’s a very joyful person on the field and in the clubhouse, all around. He’s a very positive person, so it’s very unfortunate what he’s going through,” Marchan told reporters.

Outpourings of concern have come in from around baseball for Brito. The Red Wings placed his name on a jersey, and all the team members signed it and had it delivered to Brito’s hospital room. Rochester is an affiliate of the Nationals, and Washington manager Dave Martinez contacted Girardi to ask about Brito’s status, and to pass along well wishes.

EXITS AND ENTRIES ... In addition to acquiring Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and then reacquiring infielder Freddy Galvis for the major league team, the Phillies added a pair of minor league pitching prospects in lefty Braeden Ogle from Pittsburgh, and Hans Crouse from Texas. Ogle, 24, has been assigned to Lehigh Valley from Indianapolis, where he was 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA in 24 relief appearances. Crouse is a 22-year-old righty who is described by many as “quirky,” because of his antics on and off the mound. Crouse was assigned to Double-A Reading. Other than dealing pitcher Spencer Howard - who spent time with the IronPigs this season - the LV roster wasn’t touched at the trade deadline.

JULY HEAT ... Mickey Moniak spent the month of July pounding the ball. The 23-year-old hit .342 with eight doubles, three triples and four home runs in the month of July. He also collected 19 RBIs, scored 12 runs and swiped two bases for Lehigh Valley. He is now slashing 12-49-.253 at Triple-A, placing him sixth in Triple-A baseball in RBIs, and tied for second with five triples. Charlie Tilson heated up late in the month and is hitting .406 (13-for-32) in his last 10 games with three doubles, two triples, seven RBIs, eight runs scored and two stolen bases over the span.

SHORT STAY ... Catcher Herbert Iser was promoted to Lehigh Valley from Jersey Shore, but his stay won’t be long. With Marchan recalled to Philadelphia and likely to return to Lehigh Valley this week, Iser will be ticketed for a return to High-A ball.