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Phillies pitching prospect Cole Irvin set to make major-league debut on Sunday

The Phillies believe Irvin can have success pitching to contact in the Royals’ big ballpark. They also think he will be able to control the Royals’ running game.

Phillies pitcher Cole Irvin throws a warm-up pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth-inning during a spring training game on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL.
Phillies pitcher Cole Irvin throws a warm-up pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth-inning during a spring training game on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

UPDATE: Cole Irvin went seven innings and the Phillies beat the Royals, 6-1, on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cole Irvin was talking with his girlfriend on FaceTime late Friday night, just as he normally does when he gets home after a game at triple-A Lehigh Valley. It wasn’t until they hung up that he realized he missed a call from manager Gary Jones.

When they finally connected, Jones gave Irvin some grief. Then, he gave him some news. He was getting called up to the big leagues.

“Holy [cow],” said Irvin, who could barely wait to get off the phone again to call his family and friends.

Irvin will make his major-league debut against the Royals on Mother's Day in place of Vince Velasquez, who went on the injured list with a right forearm strain. He joined the Phillies here at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday and will be added to the roster before Sunday's game.

The Phillies couldn't have recalled recently demoted right-hander Nick Pivetta because he pitched on Thursday in triple-A. Besides, Irvin has been the Phillies' most consistent starter at Lehigh Valley, allowing 36 hits and only eight walks in 36 innings and posting a 2.25 ERA.

"We're really excited to give him this opportunity. He's really earned it," manager Gabe Kapler said. "He's not a dominator. He's a guy whose game is forcing the opposition to put the ball in play and get weak contact."

The Phillies think Irvin can have success pitching to contact in the Royals’ big ballpark. They also think he will be able to control the Royals’ running game. Irvin will also be only the second left-hander to start a game for the Phillies since the end of the 2016 season. They went without a lefty starter in 2017 before Ranger Suarez made three spot starts last season.

Irvin said he will have about 20 friends and family members at the game, including his mother, Sandy, who is flying in from Portland, Ore.

“The joy is overwhelming,” Irvin said. “The opportunity is here. My job is to put the team in position to win. I’ll have a lot of pride when I take the mound with Phillies across my chest. I’ll be ready and prepared.”