Improved command led to Thompson's dramatic improvement

ALLENTOWN -- The reason righthander Jake Thompson will be called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to pitch on Saturday in San Diego for the Phillies is because he was able to rebound from a rough first half of the season.

Acquired last season from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Thompson had a 4.23 ERA and had allowed eight home runs in 55 1/3 innings during his first 10 appearances.

During his last 11 starts covering 74 1/3 innings, he had a 1.21 ERA and  surrendered two home runs.

Thompson throws in the low 90's, and Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brudage says his command of four pitches has led to his strong run. Those four pitches are fastball, curve, slider and changeup.

"The biggest difference since the start of the season is he is a much more refined pitcher," Brundage said. "His ability to throw four pitches in any given count is a huge plus."

Brundage says that Thompson was more efficient during his last 11 starts.

"Early in the season he threw a lot of deep counts," Brundage said. "He is not a finished product yet and is learning along the way, but he has had an incredible run."