Jesen Therrien called up by Phillies

Right-hander Jesen Therrien (Montreal, Que.) signed by scout Alex Agostino (Montreal, Que.) was called up by the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Photo Credit: Amanda Fewer

By Adam Morissette

Baseball Canada

OTTAWA - Montréal native Jesen Therrien was recalled by the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, putting the 24-year-old in line to become the eighth Canadian to play in the big leagues this season.

Therrien, a right-handed relief pitcher, has had a remarkable 2017 season between double-A Reading and triple-A Lehigh Valley where he’s combined for a 1.41 ERA over 57 1/3 innings pitched. After posting a 1.26 ERA with seven saves in 21 relief appearances (28 2/3 innings pitched) with Reading, he’s been equally as impressive since a promotion to Lehigh Valley where he’s appeared in 18 games with a 1.57 ERA.

Therrien represented Canada as an amateur at the 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championships in Thunder Bay and in 2011 at the COPABE 18U Pan American Championships in Cartagena, Colombia. Last March, he was a member of Canada’s entry in the World Baseball Classic.

Drafted by the Phillies in the 17th round of the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Therrien was signed by Canadian scout Alex Agostino and has been with the organization ever since.

He will join Victoria, B.C., native Nick Pivetta on the Phillies, a former teammate on the Junior National Team and the World Baseball Classic squad.

Therrien is set to become the 261st Canadian to play in the big leagues.