What hope is left for Phillies prospect Roman Quinn?
No matter what, Roman Quinn just cannot stay healthy. Does he really have any chance of filling a role with the Phillies?
Stop me if you have heard this one before: Roman Quinn is injured. Yes, the Phillies prospect is once again on the disabled list. He underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn ligament in his right middle finger. The team said he is expected to be out six to eight weeks.
This is another injury in what has become a long history of them. The 2011 second-round pick has dealt with an injury seemingly every season of his minor-league career. He has fallen victim to a torn Achilles, torn left quad, concussion, and an oblique strain.
Quinn missed much of last year due to an elbow strain suffered while diving into third base. His most recent injury also came while diving into a base. Quinn is beyond the point of bad luck with injuries and it’s safe to label him with the injury-prone tag.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
If Quinn did not suffer from this barrage of injuries, he could easily be an everyday major-leaguer. His speed is unrivaled, making him a threat on the bases and a strong defender in center fielder. Quinn possesses a strong enough hit tool to be an asset at the plate.
Quinn showed his potential during a September call-up in 2016. In 15 games, he collected 15 hits and eight walks, leading to a .373 on-base percentage. He was 5-for-6 in stolen base attempts. He showed his prowess in the outfield, nailing a runner at home plate from center field with a throw that clocked in at 96 miles per hour.
This year, Quinn came into spring training with his first real chance to make the major-league roster.
However, with a crowded outfield further stacked due to Scott Kingery’s contract, there was not a spot for Quinn. Instead, the team wanted him to play every day in Triple-A and show he can actually stay healthy. Unfortunately, that proved to be a pipe dream.
More from Phillies News
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
- Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?
Once again, Quinn was off to a decent start to the year before the injury. In 23 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he had a .289/.340/.444 line with two home runs, 11 runs batted in, and 12 stolen bases. Like it has been so many times before, it was not Quinn’s performance negatively impacting him.
With yet another injury to Quinn, even the optimists about his future like me have to start doubting he will ever make a real major-league impact.
Philadelphia’s outfield is already crowded in the majors thanks to four starting-caliber outfielders and two versatile backups. It could be further complicated with a potential Bryce Harper signing this offseason.
Next: Phillies have second-best odds to land Machado
Quinn’s spot on the 40-man roster is certainly in a precarious position if it wasn’t already. When the team needs to protect prospects from the Rule 5 draft during the offseason or make room for a free-agent signing, Quinn may be the one who loses his spot.