Skip to content
Phillies
Link copied to clipboard

Odubel Herrera's time in center could run out by 2017

Near the end of batting practice Monday, Juan Samuel stood in short center field at Citizens Bank Park and threw fly balls toward the 401-foot marker. Odubel Herrera sprinted back for each one to make a catch against the green wall. In essence, Herrera simulated a play that he failed to make over the weekend at Citi Field.

Near the end of batting practice Monday, Juan Samuel stood in short center field at Citizens Bank Park and threw fly balls toward the 401-foot marker. Odubel Herrera sprinted back for each one to make a catch against the green wall. In essence, Herrera simulated a play that he failed to make over the weekend at Citi Field.

It could be that Herrera's future is in one of the outfield corners. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin floated that possibility earlier this season - Herrera even practiced some in right field before a June game.

But the Phillies will delay that experiment. Herrera will play center for the remainder of 2016. Mackanin said it is best not to clutter Herrera's mind with a position switch while the all-star outfielder scuffles at the plate.

It could happen later.

"If we decide we're going to do that," Mackanin said, "we'll encourage him to play a corner in winter ball and then in spring training, if that's what we decide to do. I thought about doing that. But I don't know if we want to do that now. Just let him get back on track offensively."

There is logic in waiting. Mackanin wants to keep Herrera confident; despite his lackluster two-month stretch, he is still viewed as an everyday contributor in the future.

Herrera could make the position switch with less pressure during the winter in Venezuela when he plays for Tiburones de La Guaira. Jorge Velandia, a special assistant in the Phillies' front office, runs that team. He could help oversee such a transition for Herrera.

Aaron Altherr, a natural centerfielder, profiles as the starter there in 2017. The Phillies have praised his work in the outfield. Scouts who have followed the Phillies peg Herrera as better suited for the corner spots, where he could worry less about his defense and perhaps increase his power output.

He moved from second base to center field before the 2015 season, and the results were better than expected. His defense has regressed in 2016.

"He's made a lot of mistakes this year," Mackanin said. "I think we've all seen that. But that doesn't mean he's not going to play center field anymore. There's another month left to see what happens."

Extra bases

Peter Bourjos was hit on his left wrist Sunday by a 97-mph fastball, but X-rays were negative. He did not start Monday. Mackanin said he wanted Jimmy Paredes to see more playing time. He started in left field for the third straight game. . . . The Phillies held a "Pride Night" for the first time ever Monday. A city of Philadelphia rainbow flag flew above Ashburn Alley. . . . Jerad Eickhoff will face Nationals ace righthander Max Scherzer on Tuesday. It will be Eickhoff's first start against Washington this season.