That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Philadelphia Phillies: 3 underrated players from rebuilding era

By Hunter Doyle

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 15: The Philadelphia Phillies bench looks on during the ninth inning of their 4-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 15, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 15: The Philadelphia Phillies bench looks on during the ninth inning of their 4-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 15, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Daniel Nava #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Daniel Nava #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Outfielder Daniel Nava

In 2017, the Phillies signed a former World Series champion to a minor-league deal. Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava made the most of it and earned a spot on the opening day roster. This season would end up being the most recent action he saw in the major leagues. He didn’t waste this opportunity.

Nava introduced himself to Phillies’ fans as soon as possible with two home runs on opening day:

He suffered injuries towards the end of the year that cut his season short but that didn’t take away from what he had already done during the season as a valuable bench piece. In 80 games, the switch hitter accumulated just 183 at-bats and 214 plate appearances. His production wasn’t mind-blowing, but he still finished with four home runs, 21 RBIs, eight doubles, 55 hits, 21 runs, and a .301/.393/.421 line with inconsistent playing time.

More from Phillies History

This guy always got on base and gave the Phillies a chance to score even though most of the other guys weren’t able to bring him home. Not only did he get on base, but he also got the job done when it mattered most. With two outs and runners in scoring position, Nava hit .300 with seven RBIs. In the seventh through ninth innings, he slashed .297/.384/.432 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and four doubles.

In what was likely his last MLB appearance, Nava was a reliable bench piece and mentor to the young core just like Howie Kendrick and Jeff Francoeur. It’s a shame the injuries derailed his season a bit since he was probably the Phillies’ best hitter when he was on the field. Overall, he was still entertaining to watch and productive for the ‘Phils’.

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