Triple-A Agrees With Phillies' Prospect Aaron Altherr

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Aaron Altherr has made quite an impression since his recent promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

One of the top outfield prospects for the Phillies, the 24-year-old Altherr is hitting .320 in seven games since getting moved up to the Iron Pigs. He really put on a show on Sunday in a double-header against Louisville, hitting a long home run in each game against the Bats, his first two Triple-A homers.

"I'm real comfortable," Altherr said after Sunday's game. "Comfortable with the guys here, it's a great team here. I just wanted to try and do what I was doing in Reading. Just keep it nice and easy, not try to do too much and just try to find the barrel."

Listen: Aaron Altherr with KYW's Matt Leon

Altherr is a member of a rare group of baseball players who actually tasted the big leagues before playing a game at Triple-A. He played a couple of games for the Phillies last season after getting brought up from Double-A Reading because the Phils were shorthanded and he was already on the 40-man roster. He went 0-5 in two games.

Altherr was in a groove down in Reading here in 2015 prior to his promotion to Lehigh Valley. He hit .293 in 60 games with 6 home runs and 29 runs batted in, stealing 8 bases in 11 attempts. He breaks down the biggest difference he's noticed between Double-A and Triple-A.

"Pitching is a lot more controlled," Altherr says. "They know where they are throwing it and ball's got a little bit more movement. That's why you've just got to look for your pitch and not try to do too much."

While offensive numbers always start the conversation, there is a lot to like about Altherr's defense as well. A smooth outfielder, he has played all three outfield positions extensively this season and throughout his pro career.

"Doesn't really matter where they put me," Altherr says. "I like center the most, probably, but I'm definitely comfortable left or right, too. Wherever they want to put me, that's fine."

Altherr and the Iron Pigs host Scranton/Wilkes-Barre tonight in Allentown.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.