Phillies: Andrew McCutchen injury stretches depth even more

The Phillies west coast trip took another ugly turn early Saturday night

Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen injured his left knee during an awkward baserunning play Monday night in San Diego. It’s the latest ugly turn in a horrible west coast trip for the Phillies, which included being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

McCutchen became caught in a rundown at first when second baseman Ian Kinsler purposefully dropped a pop up to force McCutchen off first. When trying to avoid a tag by making a lateral cut, McCutchen grabbed his knee and went down.

Here’s the video courtesy of NBCSP on Twitter

It’s a heads up play by Kinsler, but one that usually doesn’t happen and didn’t need to happen.

McCutchen has been one of the Phillies best producers on offense with a league-high 42 walks and 261 plate appearances. Through 58 games he’s hitting .256 with 12 doubles and 10 home runs primarily as the lead-off hitter.

With Odubel Herrera on administrative leave following an alleged domestic violence incident in Atlantic City, Philadelphia’s outfield depth was already stretched thin. Jay Bruce was acquired from the Seattle Mariners to fill a void on the bench and in left field with the hope that McCutchen could start more games in center.

With McCutchen potentially out for an unknown amount of time, Philadelphia’s outfield depth is stretched even thinner. Nick Williams, who was sent back to Lehigh Valley on Monday morning, is hitting .159 with one home run this year.

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Roman Quinn has battled more injuries and isn’t ready to return from a groin injury. Regardless, his .120 batting average, granted in 25 plate appearances, isn’t exciting anyone.

Dylan Cozens could potentially miss the season after undergoing foot surgery and his minor league options are almost out.

Scott Kingery has been serviceable in center field and he could be the Phillies only option if McCutchen is seriously injured. Kingery certainly needs consistent at-bats, and Gabe Kapler can’t take his .329 batting average out of the lineup every night.

Having Bruce certainly helps the depth, but Philadelphia will have to get creative if McCutchen is out for an extended period of time. You hope that McCutchen didn’t injure any ligaments or his meniscus, but a scary injury like that sends a big wakeup call to the front office to keep adding to a playoff caliber club.