Aaron Altherr showing that Phillies need to find a place for him
The outfielder is batting .349 since entering the starting lineup.
CHICAGO - The Phillies acquired two veteran outfielders this winter, moving Aaron Altherr to the bench and providing him some more time to work his way back from wrist surgery.
Maybe he didn't need any more time, after all. Altherr is using the first part of the season to prove that he is more than just a bench player. He homered on Tuesday night and is batting .349 with a .417 on-base percentage in 43 at-bats since being pushed into the starting lineup.
"We knew he had it in him," manager Pete Mackanin said. "I think the shorter swing is making the difference for him. I hope it continues, and if it continues, we're going to have to find a way to keep him in the lineup. We know how good a defensive player he is, and he can run. He only has 50 at-bats, so we'll take another look at it after another 50 at-bats."
Altherr started the season as the fourth outfielder, with veteran newcomers Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders playing the corners. He found regular playing time when Kendrick went to the disabled list on April 18 with a right abdominal strain. Kendrick might be back soon, but his return should not send Altherr back to the bench.
The Phillies need to use this season to learn what the 26-year-old Altherr's future is. They could platoon the two veterans in right or left field or have Kendrick share first base with Tommy Joseph. The Phillies worked out Kendrick at first before Tuesday's game. Whatever the solution is, Altherr needs to have a regular role. He is the team's best defensive outfielder and is showing he can hit.
"Whenever you can get consistent at-bats, obviously you have a chance to get your timing down," Altherr said. "I'm just trying to do my best to fill in for Howie and help the team win. It's unfortunate tonight we got the loss, but we'll battle back tomorrow."
Altherr showed similar promise after reaching the majors in 2015. But then he suffered a severe wrist injury the following spring training. He missed the first four months of last season and struggled when he returned at the end of July. It would take time to recover. And it seems as if that time has passed.
"I don't feel anything," Altherr said. "I don't feel any side effects from that at all. Just glad to be back to 100 percent and playing the way I know I can."