Five things we learned from the Phillies-Cardinals series
By John Town
Odubel Herrera couldn’t reach base forever
Odubel Herrera’s on-base streak was the only consistent thing about the Phillies so far this season. After not starting Opening Day, Herrera played and reached base safely in every single game. Even when Herrera did not record a hit, he got on base via a walk.
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Stretching back to last year, Herrera reached base safely in 45 straight games. It is the fourth-longest on-base streak in team history. This is the longest streak since Bobby Abreu’s of 48 between the 2000 and 2001 seasons.
This streak has propelled Herrera to a tremendous start to the season. Heading into Sunday, he was hitting .353 with a .978 OPS, 169 wRC+, seven home runs, and 30 runs batted in through 42 games. He led National League position players with 2.4 wins above replacement. His batting average led the league, his 55 hits ranked second, and OPS ranked ninth.
Unfortunately, that streak came to an end Sunday.
Herrera went 0-for-4 in the loss, striking out three times. His batting average fell to .344, and his OBP fell from .420 to .411. Herrera’s numbers for the year are still great, but it’s a shame that the streak had to end.
Now we will have to watch Cesar Hernandez as he currently holds a 24-game on-base streak. If he can surpass Herrera, I don’t think anyone would be complaining.