Catcher Justin Dalles Promoted to Lehigh Valley

From IronPigs Media Director Matt Provence, catcher Justin Dalles has been promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley from Lakewood. Dalles, 24, is a 6’2 right-handed catcher who has the distinction of being one of only a handful of players ever to be drafted four times. The final occasion Dalles was drafted was as a sixth rounder in 2009 by the Baltimore Orioles, whose farm system was led by current farm director Joe Jordan.

When I spoke to Joe Jordan in January at the Reading Fightins awards banquet, I asked if the recently-signed Dalles had a chance to compete for a starting role in the organization. Jordan responded by identifying Dalles as a player to watch this year in the Phillies’ minor league ranks. Dalles has an athletic frame behind the plate and a strong throwing arm – he has thrown out 31% of the runners that have attempted to steal on him professionally. He has hit only .228/.293/.334 across his minor league career, but excels at finding gaps with doubles.

Dalles is anticipated to be Steven Lerud‘s back-up while Humberto Quintero fills in for Carlos Ruiz with the Phillies and Tommy Joseph recovers from a concussion.