Phillies’ Justin Crawford Plan Revealed by Dave Dombrowski Amid Trade Rumors

Instead of landing a new outfielder at the MLB trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies and Dave Dombrowski can look internally. Justin Crawford has been incredible in the minor leagues, hitting .343 with a .867 OPS in 277 at-bats in Triple-A. 

In an article from Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dombrowski revealed the team's plan with Crawford. While the electric prospect could get called up, Dobmrwoski has some stipulations.

"Really, it comes down more on how the player's playing- and then the opportunity that they have," Dombrowski said. "You want to know that they're going to play. You're not going to bring up a young kid and just have them sitting on the bench. They've got to come up and play."

This comment from Dombowski indicates two things for Crawford. The first is that if he's called up, Crawford will play frequently, and not just be a platoon bat.

However, it also indicates that, for the time being, Crawford isn't likely to get called up with the current roster. Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler are occupying the starting outfield spots.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford (80) runs home to score against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning at Charlotte Sports Park.

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Unless one of those players leaves by a trade, release, demotion, or injury, it seems likely that Crawford won't see the Major Leagues. Dombrowski isn't going to call Crawford up to sit behind either Marsh or Kepler.

He's going to get the call to the big leagues when he has a chance to get consistent starting time, and that could lead the Phillies to slow-play his call-up to the Major Leagues.

Kepler and Marsh are unlikely to go anywhere, so Crawford isn't likely to make it to the big leagues. But if Dombrowski and the Phillies move on from one of those outfielders, Crawford could get the call.

Dombrowski has a history of calling up prospects for a postseason push. With the Boston Red Sox, he called up Rafael Devers and Andrew Benintendi in 2016 amid the team's pennant race.

Crawford could be the Phillies' version of such a move. But, the caveat is that one of Marsh or Kepler would need to be hurt, or off the roster in some capacity, as Crawford wouldn't be called up to ride the bench.