Back from it’s summer vacation, On the Farm has returned with a weekly look at some of the Phillies top prospects, and their maturation as the work their way to the big leagues.

Triple A:
Top prospect Carlos Carrasco was promoted to Triple A on Saturday, and made his debut yesterday against the Rochester Red Wings. Facing another top prospect Kevin Mulvey (a key piece in the Johan Santana trade).  Carrasco out-dueled the Twins prospect, going six-and-two-thirds innings, allowing six hits, and two runs (neither of them were earned).  This is the biggest test to date for Carrasco.  While I still think he has a minimal chance of getting a September call-up, the front office will be paying close attention to Carrasco, looking ahead to next season and see if he’s ready for a shot in the rotation.

Double A:
Top prospects Jason Donald and Lou Marson remained Phillies after Thursday’s trading deadline and are both in Beijing representing the United States in the Olympics. Marson, the fourth-best catching prospect in all of baseball had little chance of being dealt by Thursday’s deadline, but Donald was another story. Jayson Stark had the slick-fielding shortstop going to Kansas City to pitcher Ron Mahay.

Single A:
Reliever Matt Smith is on the mend after Tommy John Surgery, and had started to throw for the Clearwater Threshers. Smith, the key in the Bobby Abreu deal, has made eight appearances in the Florida State League. He’s 0-1 with one save and 2.08 ERA. Smith has full velocity back, and with the Phillies desperate for a second lefty reliever he could be recalled by Phillies prior to August 31st, making him available for the playoffs.

Former 2006 first round pick Kyle Drabek is also on the mend. Drabek, who also had Tommy John Surgery made his first start in over a year for the Gulf Coast Phillies. Drabek, whose fastball topped out at 94 MPH, went three innings and allowed only one hit. He still has a long road ahead of him, but a pain-free outing is a big step of one of the Phillies better prospects.