Phillies-Marlins: Five things to look for in South Beach

6 of 6

Mar 23, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates with Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) after hitting a two run homer as Minnesota Twins catcher John Ryan Murphy (12) looks on in the first inning of a baseball game during spring training at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

How does the outfield work with Howie?

Howie Kendrick’s return was inevitable, and the Phillies now have a slight logjam in the outfield. As expected Odubel Herrera finds himself on the bench with Aaron Altherr in center field with Kendrick and Michael Saunders manning the corners.

Pete Mackanin will likely give Kendrick an opportunity to get back into the swing of a major league game, but could make a defensive replacement if the game is out of reach on either side.

Altherr and Saunders could also platoon in right field once Herrera’s mental break is up.

Kendrick and Saunders need to get as many at bats for their trade value to accrue something. Both are unlikely to be in Philadelphia past the end of August, and if healthy and productive could garner a prospect or two.

Next: Five Things We Learned From the Reds Series

For now, it’ll be Kendrick, Altherr, and Saunders in the outfield until Mackanin says otherwise.

Home/Phillies News