DENVER – The path is clearing for former MSU Denver star Julian Garcia.
 
The right-handed pitcher finally received his well-earned promotion to Class AA Reading (Pa.) last week.
 
Three Class A levels (short season, low and high) are behind him. Only two levels away are the major leagues and the Philadelphia Phillies
 
"Honestly, I'm right there on the cusp of things," said Garcia, a 10^th-round pick in the 2016 draft. "When you get to Double A … this is the level you want to be at. You're one call away, really. I'm on the cusp of being able to do something big."
 
Once players reach Class AA, the possibility for them to eventually make the major leagues increases exponentially. For example, a check of the 2016 Reading roster shows that 21 of the 32 players to pitch for them that season have spent time in the majors (some had been there previously, and most have gone up and down between the majors and minors).
 
Garcia made a great impression, too, jumping into the Eastern League playoff race and giving the Fightin' Phils a quality start in his July 28 debut, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks in six innings. Dating back to his stint with high Class A Clearwater (Fla.), Garcia has six straight quality starts (pitching six innings or more, while allowing three earned runs or less) and eight in his last nine starts.
 
"I had a pretty good feeling out there," Garcia said. "The strike zone was a little tighter than what I've seen (in the Florida State League) and I gave up a leadoff walk to the first batter. But the runs I gave up, really, were just kind of unlucky, a blooper down the line and a close play."
 
Because the Phillies organization has a strong group of starting pitchers in the minor leagues, the Fightin Phils are employing a seven-man starting rotation. That means Garcia's second start isn't expected until Tuesday.
 
At Clearwater, while going 7-6 with a 2.78 ERA, and compiling 94 strikeouts in 97 innings, Garcia was among the league leaders in multiple categories. He was told the time had come for a promotion to Class AA, but it was a matter of timing – there had to be an opening in the Reading rotation on Garcia's day to pitch on normal rest.
 
Finally, the word came.
 
"They told me at 10 at night in Clearwater, and I had a flight the next morning at 6:40 to go to Manchester, New Hampshire," Garcia said. "I got some things that I needed and left some things in my apartment. It was pretty hectic."
 
But everything was back in control for his first start. Now, as always, demonstrating consistency is key.
 
"I'm really excited," Garcia said. "I've been able to get reacquainted with guys here, because most of them I came in with in the 2016 draft. There's really good talent on this team and we're in a playoff race."