On Sunday night, Iron Pigs starter Les Walrond made history.  The left-hander became the first pitcher in Lehigh Valley’s history to throw a complete game as the Iron Pigs beat the Louisville Bats 4-3.  What’s more impressive is Walrond struck out 17, an International League season-high, and Iron Pigs team record.

With all the talk of the issues with the Phillies rotation, and who at Triple A might get the call to Philadelphia, Walrond is never a name you hear mentioned.  You hear J.A. Happ, Travis Blackley, even Brian Mazzone, but no Walrond.

It begs the question, who is Les Walrond?

Walrond was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1998 draft.  After spending five seasons in the Cardinals farm system where he went 31-35, Walrond was claimed by the Kansas City Royals.  In late 2003, Walrond made his debut with the Royals, and appeared in 7 games, going 0-2 with a 10.19 ERA. 

The following season he spent in the Royals system, then was signed by the Marlins in 2004.  In 2006 he made it again to the majors, this time with the Cubs.  In 10 appearances Walrond went 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA.  After spending the entire 2007 campaign at Iowa (the Cubs AAA affiliate), where he went 11-5, Walrond began the 2008 season back at Iowa, but was claimed off waivers by the Phillies this May.

Now 31, Walrond is still trying to make it to the major leagues.  He’s 3-7 on the season with a 3.44 ERA.  With all the chaos in the Phillies rotation is there a chance he gets a shot?  It’s probably a long one.  Given his age, the Phillies would probably bring up a prospect before handing the ball to a journeyman.  Walrond is in a similar position that catcher Chris Coste was.  When you’re in the minor for such a long time and are no longer considered a prospect, the odds of you getting a shot are remote. 

Regardless, if Walrond continues to post 17 strikeout performances, he’ll begin to turn some heads, even if it’s not with the Phillies.