By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
A little over one year ago, Philadelphia Phillies prospect Andrew Pullin decided to retire at the age of 22 due to some problems he had to deal with at home. The former Phillies fifth round pick in 2012 had hoped to start the 2016 season in Double-A, but was instead assigned to Clearwater and retired shortly afterwards.
In early May of last year though, Pullin returned to the Phillies organization out of retirement and looked better than ever. Thanks to an improved approach at the plate, he forced his way into the Double-A fold after hitting .293 with 11 doubles, four homers and 19 RBIs in 36 games for Clearwater. His hot streak continued for the Fightin' Phils as he hit .346 in 46 games with Reading, including 10 long balls and 32 RBIs.
"If that's what he needed to come back to the game, then we're ecstatic to have him back," 2016 Reading manager Dusty Wathan said. "A guy with his talent, you would hate to lose him and have him retire at such a young age with so much talent. Some guys, especially high school guys, it's hard. You're coming out of high school and next thing you know you're thrown into the mix of all these guys in Florida, and you're on your own. You're on the other side of the country. [Philly.com]
Pullin appeared in four games during Spring Training and was sent to Reading to start the 2017 season and he has picked up right where he left of there in 2016. In 16 games so far this year, Pullin is slashing .321/.403/.701, is in a three-way tie for the Eastern League home run lead (5) and leads the EL in doubles (8), total bases (47) and slugging-percentage (.701). Over his last three games, he is hitting 6-for-10 with two doubles, two homers and seven RBIs.
Whatever Pullin did during his short-lived retirement seems to have worked, but how he advances may depend on the successes of the Triple-A outfield. With Roman Quinn and prospects Dylan Cozens and Nick Williams manning the outfield in Lehigh Valley, Pullin might be stuck in Double-A until one of those guys gets promoted or slumps long enough to get replaced, which doesn't seem too likely given their prospect status.
Pullin is in his sixth year within the Phillies organization, hitting a combined .283 with 47 homers and 235 RBIs in 442 Minor League games. The Reading Fightin' Phils begin a series with Portland at home beginning Friday night at 7:05pm.
