Brown headed for Lehigh Valley

Domonic Brown is headed for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Chuck LaMar, the Phillies' assistant general manager in charge of player development, said the move could be made as soon as today.

Brown, the Phillies' top minor-league prospect, has earned the promotion with a spectacular first half at double-A Reading. In 65 games, the 22-year-old right fielder has batted .318 with 16 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 47 RBIs.

"We wanted him to play half a year at Reading, which he has, and we think he's ready," LaMar said.

Brown's dominance also earned him a spot in the minor-league Futures Game scheduled for Sunday July 11 in Angel Stadium, the same site as the major-league All-Star Game.

"It is a big honor and privilege for me," Brown said when asked about the Futures Game Wednesday. "It's the best of the best there, so I'm going to go and have fun."

Brown was also asked Wednesday if he felt he was ready to make the move from Reading to Lehigh Valley.

"Man, I don't worry about that," he said. "I leave that to (general manager) Ruben Amaro and Chuck LaMar. I'm ready when they say I'm ready. I'm just out here playing my game and having fun. I'm just happy to be playing baseball."

Lakewood pitcher Jarred Cosart is the other representative from the Phillies' farm system playing in the Futures Game, but LaMar said the team has no plans of moving up the 20-year-old righthander. Cosart is 7-2 with a 3.44 ERA at Lakewood.

"We want him to finish his first full year in Lakewood," LaMar said.