IL1 Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Phil Klein Named IL Player of the Month

Published on September 1, 2016 under International League (IL1)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs News Release


The International League announced today that Lehigh Valley right-hander Phil Klein has been named the League's Player of the Month for August. Along with winners from other leagues, Klein will receive an award from Minor League Baseball in recognition of his performance last month.

Phil Klein's month began in the big leagues, where the former Ranger made his first start for the Phillies on August 3. Having pitched primarily as a reliever throughout his career, Klein was claimed in June from the Texas organization. He didn't become a fixture in the IronPigs starting rotation until mid-July. Upon returning to Lehigh Valley from his MLB appearance, Klein reeled off five consecutive starts that were very impressive. He established a career-high in strikeouts with ten against Scranton/WB on August 9, only to best it with eleven punchouts the next time out against Indianapolis and earning honors as the League Pitcher of the Week. He ultimately finished the month with an unblemished 4-0 record while leading the League with 46 strikeouts, plus an IL-low in opponents' batting average (.154) and WHIP (0.65). He surrendered just 18 hits, four walks, and four earned runs over 34.0 innings pitched, finishing August with an ERA of 1.06. Klein is the second IL Player of the Month in IronPigs franchise history, joining Andy Tracy (June 2010).

27-year-old Phil Klein is in his sixth season as a professional pitcher since being selected by Texas in the 30th round of the 2011 draft out of Youngstown State University. He appeared in 36 games with the Rangers between 2014-16, with all but two of his appearances coming out of the bullpen. Klein is a native of Columbus, Ohio. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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