Phillies expect Odubel Herrera, Cesar Hernandez to be ready for Opening Day
After a rough spring, the Phillies are getting healthy heading into the regular season.
Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera and second baseman Cesar Hernandez expect to be ready for opening day after nursing injuries in camp.
Hernandez, who is coming off foot surgery, suffered a strained hip flexor in February. Herrera is recovering from a hamstring injury that sounds to have been nagging him since arriving in Clearwater.
Both Hernandez and Herrera took part in minor league spring training games and expect to play in Grapefruit League games this month.
Philadelphia is two weeks away from opening the regular season at home against Atlanta in what’s expected to be a sold-out Citizens Bank Park.
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If both Herrera and Hernandez are ready to go in two weeks and aren’t behind in their regular season preparation, it’ll be a win for the team.
When healthy and locked in Herrera and Hernandez have the potential to hit for average, but both are fighting for a long-term job in Philadelphia. Scott Kingery struggled as a rookie, but the organization expects him to be the second baseman of the future.
Herrera, while signed through 2021 with two additional team options, could be shown the door when Mike Trout becomes available in two years. The presence of recent first round picks Adam Haseley and Mickey Moniak in the system puts additional pressure on Herrera to prove he’s the guy long-term.
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The injury bug bit Philadelphia early this year, which hopefully means it has run its course.
The team remains cautious with Roman Quinn as he recovers from an oblique injury. Several beat writers reported that Quinn is progressing faster than expected, but with his injury history, the Phillies are being cautious with the speedy outfielder.
There hasn’t been much word on Tommy Hunter‘s status after he suffered a flexor strain in his forearm. Luckily the Phillies have plenty of depth in the bullpen to go slow with Hunter early in the season.