Lerud to make his debut against Mets
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Lerud to make his debut against Mets
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
This is just the final day of a three-game series with the New York Mets to most Phillies fans and most of the Phillies, for that matter.
For Steven Lerud, on the other hand, it is biggest day of his baseball life.
After eight seasons in the minor leagues, the 27-year-old catcher will make his major-league debut Thursday at Citizens Bank Park and, yes, he was excited.
"Absolutely," he said. "It has been a long time on bus rides, so this will be fun."
Lerud, a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003, joined the Phillies six days ago when Brian Schneider was placed on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. His mother Eva immediately flew in from Reno, Nev. in the hopes of seeing her son play his first big-league game.
She's been waiting for almost a week and already had a plane ticket to Atlanta for Friday's game against the Braves just in case Lerud was nothing more than a spectactor for a sixth straight game.
"She'll probably have a few tears," Lerud said. "She'll probably be more nervous than I am."
Lerud said one of his inspirations to continue playing has been Phillies catcher Erik Kratz, who is finally getting his first extended big-league look after spending parts of 10 seasons in the minor leagues. Kratz and Lerud had been together in Pittsburgh's farm system in 2009. Kratz was 30 when he made his big-league debut with the Pirates in 2010.
"That was the first thing I told Kratz when I got here," Lerud said. "He was my inspiration to keep going. At one point, I was the prospect in Pittsburgh and Kratz came in there on a minor-league deal and he ended up playing in the big leagues there, then going a few other places. It's kind of funny we meet here now and I'm backing him up. We've kind of taken the same journey."
Lerud's locker was situated next to Tyler Cloyd, the pitcher who made his big-league debut Wednesday night against the Mets.
"I've got more big-league time than him," Lerud said. "But he has more at-bats."
Brown still out. Outfielder Domonic Brown was not in the lineup for the second straight game because of soreness in his left knee. He did make a pinch-hitting appearance Wednesday.
Here's the lineup for the series finale with the Mets, who are 7-1 at CBP this season: Jimmy Rolllins, SS, Kevin Frandsen, 3B, Chase Utley, 2B, Ryan Howard, 1B, John Mayberry Jr., CF, Ty Wigginton, LF, Michael Martinez, RF, Lerud, C, Kyle Kendrick, P.
phils could have picked up 2 games if the offense didn't fail them (and if worley and the 'pen didn't fail too)— palmyra21- The Sister4s of Mary hitters and the Pen have failed the team so many times this year that even Amaro must realize now, he needs some hitters even if he trades for them or buys them! If the Dodgers can do it, so can the Phils. Tyler did not pitch that badly but the hitters again were pathetic. Hope this catcher enjoys it for a bit then down he will go to Lehigh again.— Koons
- what, dom brown is hurt again? totally shocked.— kdub13
- When will the Dubee and the Phils pitchers understand that you need to pitch Scott Hairston the Phillie killer inside?— rtiannelli
- Phillies are 1-7 against Mets at home. That is pathetic.— BobbyD
- LOL Martinez hitting 7th not surprisingly is 0-4. WHY IS THIS SCRUB STILL ON THE TEAM?!?— Only in Philly...
- Sure it's a nice story but why didn't Manuel play the lefty swinging Lerud against the righty Harvey and the righty hitter against Niese. Sorry I forgot Manuel just a poor manager. If you dont think it matters.....You gotta love Frandsen.For 2013 Frandsen hurt by Phills need for a power righty bat for middle of order. Perhaps he winds up in platoon situation at 3rd. Unquestionably deserves chance. Anyone notice KK has become a pitcher?— Don w
- Martinez on team because you could plug him into SS. Prior arrival of Frandsen nobody to relace Rollins if need came up.— Don w
- Yeah, we noticed Don w. KK is now a pitcher. All of the sudden. Overnight. Do you think it has anything to do with Charlie Manuel, that poor manager you described in your post, sticking with him when the geniuses here wanted him run out of town?— vafan
- Vafan I honestly applaud you sticking up for a Phillie. I feel there is to much negativity on website particularly when you factor in 5 year run. Using your reasoning should Charlie take blame for lack of hitting? Sorry I went off track and do applaud your being positive.— Don w
