Reds' Phillips spurred on in Fall League by regular-season turnaround
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A rough second start in the Arizona Fall League on Oct. 16 looked like it might derail the bounceback journey of Connor Phillips, but the Reds’ No. 15 prospect had other ideas. Phillips closed a disastrous regular season at Triple-A Louisville with a strong five-start stretch, and
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A rough second start in the Arizona Fall League on Oct. 16 looked like it might derail the bounceback journey of Connor Phillips, but the Reds’ No. 15 prospect had other ideas.
Phillips closed a disastrous regular season at Triple-A Louisville with a strong five-start stretch, and the 23-year-old right-hander headed to the desert looking to build off that. He debuted in the Fall League with a gem that earned him Pitcher of the Week honors for Week 1, but Phillips allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 2 1/3 innings during start No. 2.
Rather than panic, Phillips regrouped.
Since that clunker for Glendale, Phillips has been lights-out, allowing two runs (one earned) across three starts (11 innings). His latest effort -- an unearned run on two hits with five strikeouts in four innings -- paved the way for the Desert Dogs’ 8-1 win over the Surprise Saguaros on Thursday night.
“I’ve been in a really good place mentally, coming off the season,” he said. “I’ve been really excited to be out here and to keep pitching, making sure I really fortify what I’m working on.”
Shaking off one bad start was nothing for Phillips. After all, he’s spent the past three months putting the most trying part of his pro career behind him.
Phillips, who was the player to be named later to complete the Eugenio Suarez-Jesse Winker trade with the Mariners in March 2022, rose quickly up the ranks in the Reds’ system and made his big league debut with Cincinnati down the stretch in ‘23. But when he returned to Louisville to start this past season, he couldn’t get his feet under him.
With his ERA sitting at 10.11 on June 19 after 14 starts for the Bats, he was sent to the organization’s Rookie-level Arizona Complex League team to sort out his mechanics and clear his head.
“At the beginning of the year, it was really, really rough,” Phillips said. “I was thinking something different every single day, and that was really not a good place to be in. I don’t think anyone wants to be in the place as a pitcher in the game of baseball.”
The work he put in with the ACL Reds paid off, as he returned to Louisville on Aug. 21 and posted a 2.49 ERA over five starts. More than the numbers, Phillips had gained a mental edge, finding something positive amid the adversity.
“I now know that I can get through a really, really tough stretch,” he said. “I’d never gone through anything in baseball like this, where I had literally no idea what I was doing out there. Now I understand, like, ‘Hey, you can do this, even when the going gets tough.’”
It’s nice to also have a fastball that sits between 96-99 mph and a wipeout slider that Phillips considers his best pitch. It’s just a matter of finding the strike zone, which has been a focus for him during the Fall League.
“I know if I’m in the zone, my stuff is very, very good and I can get people out,” he said.
Phillips didn’t necessarily come out to the desert to tinker with things. His focus is on getting ready for Spring Training and another run at the Reds’ roster, but he made a couple small adjustments that are starting to pay off.
📩 CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO BEN'S BIZ
“Being able to come out here and figure some stuff out and go back out and throw together some good innings is really, really big for me,” he said. “I changed some stuff up, and I thought today was really, really good, showed some really good signs.”
The Fall League has been a solid ramp-up for Spring Training for Phillips, and he’s ready to let the cards fall where they may.
“The team’s going to do what the team wants to do,” he said. “I don’t have a say in that, but I want to make it a tough decision for them, making sure that I come out [to Spring Training] with my best stuff and that my body feels good.”
Michael Reynolds is a senior content producer for MLB.com.
RockHounds to Host Craig Morgan at Momentum Bank Ballpark
MIDLAND, Texas (June 18, 2025) – The Midland RockHounds are thrilled to host Craig Morgan live in concert on Saturday, October 4th at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, June 20th at 10am. About Craig Morgan: Singer, author, actor, and soldier Craig Morgan has made a
2025 Promotions Schedule
MIDLAND, Texas (February 24, 2025) – For the first time since 2018, the RockHounds will start their season at home. Friday, April 4, kicks off the 53rd franchise season, coming off a franchise-best 84 regular season wins. The 2025 promotional calendar is packed with 14 fireworks shows, 15 giveaways, 13
RockHounds Announce 2025 Field Staff
Gregorio Petit is back for his second season as RockHounds manager. Also returning are (hitting coach) Juan Dilone, (athletic trainer) Eric Fasth and (sport performance coach) Jake Kistaitis. New to the club’s field staff are (pitching coach) Javy Guerra, (assistant hitting coach) Gunnar Buhner and (athletic trainer) Rachel Purcell. The
Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction Held February 4th
Inaugurated in 1991, the West Texas Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction is an event designed to benefit the community through a celebration of sports. The sports banquet has become a tradition and is the centerpiece of the franchise’s community commitment. In addition to keynote speakers, the event includes: - Silent
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa!
The Midland RockHounds, alongside Mission Agape and Family Life Radio bring you ‘Cookies & Cocoa with Santa’. Get ready for our FREE holiday event filled with fun, joy, and a chance to make a difference in our community! We’re excited to invite you out to Momentum Bank Ballpark on Saturday,
RockHounds release 2025 schedule
MIDLAND, Texas (October 9, 2024) – The Midland RockHounds, Double-A Affiliate of the Athletics are excited to reveal their 2025 season schedule, entering their 53rd franchise season. The RockHounds are coming off a historic season, winning an all-time franchise record of 84 games and being crowned the South Division Champions
The RockHounds are back in the Texas league playoffs!
MIDLAND, Texas (September 6, 2024) - With their 4-3 win over Amarillo in game two of Thursday night’s doubleheader, the ‘Hounds eliminated the Sod Poodles from playoff contention, to clinch their berth in the postseason. The RockHounds will meet the Frisco RoughRiders in the best-of-three South Division Championship Series, which
The RockHounds Hosted an Olympic Watch Party of the Century
On Saturday, August 10th, the Midland RockHounds partnered with the City of Midland to host an event of the century at Momentum Bank Ballpark: a watch party of the Olympic Men’s 800-meter Final. Competing in the final was Bryce Hoppel, a Midland native and son of Monty Hoppel, who was
RockHounds to Host Tracy Lawrence at Momentum Bank Ballpark
MIDLAND, Texas (June 3, 2024) – The Midland RockHounds are proud to host Tracy Lawrence live in concert on Saturday, September 28th at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Accompanying Tracy is country music artist Chris Cagle. The stage will be set up in centerfield at Momentum Bank Ballpark, with on-field VIP tables
RockHounds to Host Miranda Lambert as Part of “Music on the Diamond” Concert Series
MIDLAND, Texas (April 22, 2024) – America’s pastime is getting major league star treatment as the RockHounds proudly present three-time GRAMMY Award- winner Miranda Lambert live in concert at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Join us on June 29 as we transform the ballpark into a stage for the most-awarded artist in
Summer Baseball Camp Registration - SOLD OUT
The Midland RockHounds will conduct their 31st annual Baseball Camp from Tuesday, June 4th through Thursday, June 6th, 2024. Each session will focus on fundamentals and instruction of the skills required to be a successful baseball player. Midland RockHounds players and coaches will conduct the camp. Past camps have included
RockHounds Unveil Brand New Copa de la Diversión Identity
MIDLAND, Texas (March 9th, 2024) - The RockHounds today announced a new identity and image for the franchise’s participation in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión program - - - the Midland Amigos. The new name and image will replace the Matamoscas de Midessa, the nickname used by the
RockHounds Announce Promotions Schedule for 2024
MIDLAND, Texas (February 20th, 2024) - Tuesday, April 9th, kicks off the Midland RockHounds' 52nd franchise season with a packed lineup of promotions coming to Momentum Bank Ballpark. The 69-game schedule features a plethora of theme nights, giveaways, and daily specials that cater to every kind of baseball fan. Fans
2024 Scholarship Application Open
Download Application To qualify for the scholarship: - Applicants must be currently enrolled in a public or private school in Midland, Odessa, or the nearby vicinity and anticipated to receive their high school diploma by the end of the 2024 spring semester. - Applicants should be intending to enroll in
RockHounds Announce 2024 Field Staff
MIDLAND, Texas (February 13, 2024) - The Oakland A’s have announced their minor league field staff assignments for the 2024 season, with Gregorio Petit named as field manager for the RockHounds. Joining Petit on the staff are pitching coach Paul Abbott, hitting coach Juan Dilone, assistant hitting coach Darryl Kennedy,
"Fiesta en el Parque" Event Held March 9th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The RockHounds have a big announcement to make on Saturday, March 9th, at Momentum Bank Ballpark! Join the team as they celebrate the local Hispanic/Latino community with "Fiesta en el Parque". There will be live music, performers, and vendors on site. Merchandise and free tickets will be raffled off and
RockHounds Announce Headliner for Christian Concert
The RockHounds are proud to announce the headliner for their annual Christian Concert, set for May 18th at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Nashville superstar Anne Wilson makes her way to Midland for a grand night of worship. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 12th. Sponsorships and tables are available now, and
Seasonal Job Fair Set For February 24th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The RockHounds will be hosting a job fair for the upcoming 2024 season on Saturday, February 24 from 11 AM – 2 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Applicants should enter through the main gate near the ticket windows and into the Diamond Club area to speak with hiring managers for
RockHounds & ConocoPhillips Announce Partnership
The RockHounds are pleased to announce that ConocoPhillips will become the team’s presenting sponsor. The partnership will incorporate ConocoPhillips into virtually all of the team’s branding, marketing and advertising, along with a greater presence in the fan entertainment experience at the ballpark. In becoming the team’s presenting sponsor, ConocoPhillips takes
Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction Held February 7th
The West Texas Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction was created as a way in which the franchise could give back to the community through a celebration of sports. The event, which started in 1991, has become both a tradition and the centerpiece of the franchise's community commitment. In addition to
Christmas at the Ballpark Event Held on December 16th
The RockHounds are diving into the spirit of Christmas on Saturday, December 16th, as they host their "Christmas at the Ballpark" event. The event runs from 10am-2pm at the Souvenir Store located at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Entry is free and furry four-legged family members are welcome (must be leashed). Create
Blake Glass Awarded Texas League Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year
Congratulations to Blake Glass, the incredible Midland RockHounds' Visiting Clubhouse Manager, on winning the prestigious 'Texas League Visiting Clubhouse Attendant' Award! Blake spent his first season with the Midland RockHounds in 2023 as the Visiting Clubhouse Manager. Before coming to the RockHounds, Blake worked five seasons for the Lancaster Barnstormers
Fall Ballpark Links tickets on sale now!
The RockHounds are excited to announce their next fall event: Fall Ballpark Links at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Join us at the ballpark on the evenings of October 27 & 28 for a golf experience unlike anywhere else in Midland. Tee off in one of your private hitting bays underneath the
RockHounds Host the San Antonio Missions September 5-10
The RockHounds have had a thrilling season at Momentum Bank Ballpark, filled with exciting gameplay on the field and memorable promotions and giveaways for the fans...but as the saying goes, all great things must come to an end. The second place 'Hounds host their final homestand of the season this
Scotty McCreery Concert on September 16th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The annual RockHounds Country Concert series continues with American Idol star Scotty McCreery taking center stage. The concert date is quickly approaching, set for Saturday, September 16th with gates opening at 6:15PM for a 7:00PM start. The performance is made possible thanks to ConocoPhillips, Oxy, and Pioneer Natural Resources, and