Phillies' biggest surprises from first half of 2018 season

Phillies’ biggest surprises from first half of 2018 season

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 09: Nick Williams #5, Aaron Altherr #23 and Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the New York Mets 3-1 during game two of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 9, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 08: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks back to the dugout after striking out in the eighth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Odubel Herrera

After a red-hot start, a poor stretch for Herrera in June derailed any hopes of being selected for the All-Star game. However, Herrera, who averaged 15 home runs and 50 RBI over the last two seasons, has already reached those numbers before the All-Star break.

Of course, Herrera still has his “head in the clouds” moments, there’s no denying he’s performed better than most expected thus far this season. He’s on pace to reach 27 home runs and 93 RBI, while 30 and 100 are not out of the question.

A fixture in the middle of the order, Herrera’s performance is vitally important moving forward. Hitting behind Rhys Hoskins, a hot Herrera will give Cesar Hernandez and Hoskins more pitches to hit, which should translate into a more potent attack.

Home/Phillies News