Reading Eagle: Drago: Mathieson makes pitch for return to big leagues

He was on top of the world in 2006. He pitched for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, was Reading’s Opening Day starter, struck out 99 batters over his first 92 Double-A innings, then was called straight to Philadelphia in mid-June.

Heralded prospect Scott Mathieson joined the Phillies rotation on June 17, 2006, and was demoted again at the All-Star break when Jon Lieber returned from injury. 

He joined the rotation again when the Phillies traded Cory Lidle to the Yankees on July 30, and made four more starts before being demoted on August 19 when they traded for Jamie Moyer. 

He came up to make a spot start in a doubleheader on September 2, and “left after six pitches with a strained elbow”. 

At the time he went on the DL, the Phillies had not been to the playoffs or won their division since 1993.  And he’s been on the DL or making rehab starts ever since.

Now, less than a year later, he could be poised for a return to the big leagues.

While everyone talks about the addition of Pedro Martinez to the Phillies rotation, and the possibility that Brett Myers could return to add relief help down the stretch, few realize that Mathieson also could be a key piece to Philadelphia’s September equation.

It was no coincidence that Mathieson threw two innings Wednesday night in front of Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro and his top adviser, Charley Kerfeld.

Most assumed that the Philadelphia general manager was here strictly to see Martinez, but the truth is that the Phillies lined up Mathieson’s appearance specifically so Amaro could get a look-see.

Long after Mathieson dropped off the radar of most in baseball - his bio is now in the back of the Phillies media guide, crammed in between the likes of obscure minor leaguers Cristobal Mata and Miguel Matos - the Phillies’ brass is keeping a close eye.