Milwaukee Brewers: Brett Phillips impersonates a cannon

Brett Phillips is just one of many exciting outfield prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

To those outside the Milwaukee Brewers faithful, the number 12 prospect is lost behind the likes of Lewis Brinson or Corey Ray. But not anymore. Phillips recently set the 2017 mark for fastest throw from the outfield, and it is second fastest behind only Aaron Hicks since the start of Statcast recordings in 2015.

During the fourth inning of a showdown between the Brewers and Pirates, Elias Diaz hit a fly ball to center field. There waiting for it was Phillips. Once caught, the runner on third decided it was safe to score. Well, on 104 MPH throw later and David Freese was tagged out at home plate.

To put that is some perspective, the fastest pitch thrown this year went 104 MPH from Aroldis Chapman. Obviously a pitching motion and a crow hop are different, but it still shows the kind of power Phillips posses in his arm.

In the MLB.com coverage of the event, Adam McCalvy jokingly suggested Phillips get a shot on the mound to replace the recently injured Jimmy Nelson. While that won’t happen, it could be an alternative to Hernan Perez if the situation calls for it. Maybe just see what his curve looks like.

Phillips is playing a huge role in the chase to October. If he continues to provide stellar defense, and contribute with the bat, he could find himself in a great position to at the start of next season. But for now, all eyes on the prize.

He played a lot from the middle to the end of July. It looked as if he had put it all together towards the end, when he was sent back down. September has been sporadic, for Phillips thus far. But in his last five at bats he secured three hits.

Though he may be called upon for defense more often than not, his bat is coming around in a great way. Phillips will continue to improve his role with games like his most recent. The defense is there, so it is all up to his bat.

Next: A deeper look at the Jimmy Nelson injury

It is hard to break into the lineup anywhere. The Milwaukee Brewers are very talented and very young. However, if Phillips continues to grow with the bat he is poised to be a big part of the future. Defensively, he is clearly ready. The offense is not too far behind.