Chris Kissock will continue his ascent in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system this week.
The 26-year-old Fruitvale pitcher learned on Friday he will be starting the season with the Phillies’ double-A affiliate in Reading, Penn.
It marks the third time in four seasons that Kissock has moved up a level for opening day.
After his rookie season in Williamsport, Penn, he has steadily been moving up the chain. He began last season at the single-A level in Clearwater, Fla., before a mid-season move up to Reading where he posted a 1-0 record with a 3.86 ERA in 11 appearances.
The Reading Phillies open their Eastern League season on Thursday in Portland, Maine. The team starts the season with seven road games. Reading’s home opener is scheduled for April 14 against Akron.
Kissock isn’t the only Canadian pitcher relief pitcher in the Phillies’ bullpen. He’s joined by Phillippe Aumont, of Gatineau, Que. Aumont was top prospect drafted 11th overall in the 2007 draft by the Seattle Mariners.
He was dealt to the Phillies organization last year in the deal that sent Cliff Lee to the Mariners.
However, Aumont has struggled as a starter and the Phillies have opted to move him into a relief position.