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Expect Phillies' Roman Quinn to start season in triple A

Roman Quinn, the speedy outfielder who reached the majors in September, is likely headed to triple A in April after the team signed Michael Saunders earlier this week. Saunders' arrival moves Quinn to the bench, and the Phillies believe it would be more beneficial for the 23-year-old's development to play every day in triple A rather than be a reserve in the majors.

"I don't think it's in our best interest or his for him to be a part-time player at the big-league level," manager Pete Mackanin said. "If things stay the way they are and Saunders is on the team, I think it would behoove Quinn to play a full year at triple A.

"We have to find out if he can play 140 games, which he hasn't done up to this point. We certainly hope he can because to me, he's a potential game-changer on the field."

Quinn played in 15 games last season with the Phillies after being promoted from double A, where he batted .287 with 31 steals in 71 games. He skipped over triple A on his way to the majors and has 518 double-A at-bats in two seasons. A stint with triple-A Lehigh Valley would not hurt.

He also has to prove his durability. Quinn has missed time because of injury in each of the past four seasons. He was sidelined twice last season - first in double A and then in the majors - with a strained oblique muscle.

"I would definitely be able to benefit a lot from it," Quinn said about playing in triple A. "Getting a full season of at-bats is one of my goals. Playing a full season and whatever happens happens. I'm just trying to stay healthy and do whatever I can to remain healthy and stay on the field."