Phillies' Mora Matures Into A Prospect

PHILADELPHIA—Another Phillies prospect is emerging, but this one did not arrive in one of the two big rebuild trades the team executed over the last nine months.

Angelo Mora is 23 and in his sixth season in the system. Last year, his game started to come together, according to director of player development Joe Jordan, and if his improvement continues, he could be a utility player or everyday second baseman in the majors.

“Angelo was always an intriguing but frustrating guy,” Jordan said. “He was always a talented kid. In fact, there were days when he was the best player on the field, but he was inconsistent offensively and defensively. His inability to handle adversity got in his way for a long time.

“To his credit, something started to click last year. He matured physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s became a calmer, more confident player, and that has allowed the ability we’ve always seen to come out.”

Mora signed for $25,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. He hit just .227 at high Class A Clearwater in 2014 and repeated the level in 2015. He earned his way to Double-A Reading before the end of the season, hitting .312/.356/.447 in 99 games at the two levels.

In March, Phillies player-development officials recognized Mora’s work with the Larry Rojas award for his overall play and dedication in spring training. Mora then reported back to Reading and opened the season hitting .293 with eight extra-base hits in his first 15 games.

A natural middle infielder, the 5-foot-10 switch-hitter has seen time at third base and in the outfield this season as he builds the versatility that could one day make him the next Andres Blanco.

“A lot of people here care about Angelo and (stayed) with him,” Jordan said. “He’s grown up, become a man, and now the game is coming easier to him. He’s having more fun.”

PHIL-UPS

• Reading righthander Ben Lively, acquired from the Reds for Marlon Byrd after the 2014 season, went 2-0, 1.50 through four starts. He led the Eastern League with 27 strikeouts and a walk rate of 0.8 per nine innings.

• Reading catcher Jorge Alfaro started 18-for-36 (.500) with six extra-base hits in eight games before going on the disabled list with an oblique injury.