Phillies top-five most improved players during 2018 season

Sep 17, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws out Adam Eaton #2 of the Washington Nationals in the top of the third inning in game two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 29: Roman Quinn #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies slides into third base on a triple in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

Roman Quinn

I was convinced Roman Quinn wasn’t going to get a chance in the majors this year. Between the already-crowded outfield and his injury history, I didn’t expect him to be able to take advantage of any opportunity to join the Phillies.

That appeared to be the case midway through the season as Quinn found himself on the disabled list yet again, this time tearing a ligament in his right middle finger diving into third base. He missed two months due to the injury.

Quinn returned from the DL the day after Aaron Altherr was optioned to Triple-A. Quinn was soon recalled to the majors and he has been a spark plug in the lineup ever since. In 36 games so far, he has a .330/.358/.527 line with two home runs, three triples, six doubles, and 12 runs batted in. Quinn has even posted positive results in the field with one defensive run saved and a 0.6 UZR. In this short time, he has already been worth 0.9 wins above replacement.

Quinn had taken over the starting center field job from Odubel Herrera before suffering a fractured pinkie toe. He is still playing, so long as he can manage the pain.

Moving forward, Quinn has shown more than enough to keep on the major-league roster, as long as he is healthy. That is a huge deal considering his history, but seeing him play more than a few weeks in the majors is a big deal for him.