Phillies: Five things we learned from the Reds series

May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) is doused with ice after hitting a walk off RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph (19) is doused with ice after hitting a walk off RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 6
May 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) strikes out on a pitch in the dirt during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. The Reds defeated the Phillies, 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) strikes out on a pitch in the dirt during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. The Reds defeated the Phillies, 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Odubel Herrera might benefit from a benching, or even more

Nothing looks good when Odubel Herrera, an outfielder the Phillies gave a five-year contract to, steps to the plate. His at-bats are undisciplined, his swings unrefined, and his plate discipline nonexistent.

It was extremely curious when Pete Mackanin said Herrera needed to hit out of his slump, while Franco needed to sit two games to collect his thoughts. Both are similar in the thought of their youth and early failures this season.

With Howie Kendrick expected to return from an oblique injury, Herrera is expected to sit for an extended period of time. Aaron Altherr is likely to start in center field in place of Herrera while Kendrick resumes his position in left.

If Herrera struggles past the point of a general benching, perhaps a wake up call in Lehigh Valley is needed for a Rule 5 pick who jumped into the major leagues.

Schedule