Herrera is a rare rookie starter for Phillies on opening day

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A white Hooters tank top hung Thursday morning in Odubel Herrera's locker. Someone - likely a veteran Phillies teammate - had written the rookie's name and uniform number on the back of the tight shirt usually worn by the restaurant's waitresses.

Herrera had a new batting practice top. If there was any doubt that the outfielder would be sticking with the Phillies on opening day, it was erased by the clubhouse prank.

Herrera will make his major-league debut Monday as the Phillies' starting centerfielder. He is just the second Phillies player in 45 years to make his major-league debut as an opening-day starter. Freddy Galvis debuted in 2012. Larry Bowa and Denny Doyle broke in together in 1970.

"It was my always goal to make the roster," Herrera said through an interpreter. "I've really matured since I've gotten here being surrounded by veterans. I've picked up a lot."

The 23-year-old joined the Phillies in December when Texas left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. He has never played past double A and spent most of his six seasons as an infielder. His transition to the outfield began in the Venezuelan Winter League. He captured the league's batting title and MVP award.

He played left field early in camp before manager Ryne Sandberg moved him to center field and slid Ben Revere to left. Sandberg said it was a better fit for both players. Herrera is still learning the position. His speed gives him good range and he has a solid arm.

Herrera led the Phillies this spring in hits (24), steals (7), and batting average (.343) among players with at least 35 at-bats.

"Is he going to be a .300 hitter toward the top of our lineup or wherever he put him? I don't know," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We're going to give him a shot. That's what this season is about."

Bowa was 24 when he started the final opening day at Connie Mack Stadium. It was the greatest feeling in the world, he said. Bowa, now the Phillies' bench coach, paved his own path to the majors. He did not play in high school. He was not drafted.

"In my wildest dreams, I didn't think that was ever going to happen to me," Bowa said. "To be on the lines, a lot of things go through your mind. 'I hope I can, I think I can, I know I can.' They're going to go through his mind."

Galvis, who has acted as a mentor this spring for Herrera, said starting on opening day was "a dream come true." He hopes Herrera enjoys the moment as much as he did. Galvis said he did not know who hung the Hooters shirt in Herrera's locker. The shortstop laughed when he saw it. He laughed more when Herrera wore it onto the field for the team's morning workout.

Herrera caught fly balls, took batting practice, and signed autographs while wearing the tank top. He then changed into his jersey for the team's final game before flying to Philadelphia. Herrera's hazing was over. It was time to be a rookie.

@matt_breen