Phillies: Five things to know vs the Cincinnati Reds

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Feb 22, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) and center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) cut up for a photo during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s wrong with Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera?

No combination of three-four hitters in baseball has been colder than Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera, who are hitting a combined .223 this season.

Thought to be cornerstone pieces of the franchise both Franco and Herrera appear lost at the plate, swinging at anything thrown their way. Perhaps it’s a maturity issue, or maybe their game has been figured out by opposing pitchers.

Regardless the Phillies must invest as much as possible into getting these two youngsters on the right track. If that means benching them for a period fo time, so be it. Franco sat for two games against the Rockies, and probably could have taken another day off.

After striking out five times on Thursday, Herrera is all but assured a seat in the dugout when Cincinnati arrives Friday.

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