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Top Prospect J.P. Crawford Promoted to Reading

2013 first round selection to join Reading's prospect-laden roster
May 29, 2015

Philadelphia Phillies 2013 first-round pick J.P. Crawford has been promoted to the Reading Fightin Phils roster, the Phillies announced tonight. In a corresponding move, the Phillies released infielder Tony Thomas.  

With the addition of Crawford, Reading's roster now features seven of the Top 10 Phillies prospects according to MLB.com and six of the Top 10 Phillies Prospects according to Baseball America. 

The 20-year old shortstop comes to Baseballtown after hitting .392 in 20 games with the Clearwater Threshers (A+) this season. He also had a home run and drove in eight RBIs.

Last season, Crawford received the Paul Owens Award as the best position player in the Phillies minor league system after hitting .285 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs in 123 combined games between Lakewood (A) and Clearwater. He also recorded a .375 on-base percentage and .406 slugging percentage while leading the Phillies minor league system in walks (65). The California native was also named to Team USA in the MLB Futures Game at Minnesota's Target Field and the South Atlantic League midseason All-Star Team. 

Following the season, Crawford was named the top prospect in the organization by both Baseball America and MLB.com. On Thursday, he was named the no. 4 overall prospect in the minors by ESPN baseball insider Keith Law. 

Crawford was selected by the Phillies with the 16th overall pick of the 2013 draft out of Lakewood High School in California. 

Tickets to see Crawford and the rest of the Fightin Phils prospects this summer are available at Fightins.com, calling 610-370-BALL, or by stopping by the Fightins Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.