With a slow 1-for-14 start to the season, the Phillies should evaluate a couple of options for left fielder Andrew McCutchen
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies have only played in four games so far this season, Andrew McCutchen’s 1-for-14 start has to be considered a concern in this shortened season.
McCutchen’s first hit of the year came in the third inning on Monday against the New York Yankees, where he reached base at about the same time as the ball, which was thrown off-target nearly enough to be considered an error.
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After sitting out the third game against the Miami Marlins, McCutchen returned to the lead-off spot and left field for Monday’s game. His .071 batting average is tied with Scott Kingery for the worst on the team so far (not counting Neil Walker’s one at-bat), while he has yet to walk and was struck out four times in those 14 at-bats.
While Rhys Hoskins (2-for-12 start), Bryce Harper (3-for-13), and J.T. Realmuto (4-for-17) also have low batting averages, Hoskins has seven walks, Harper has four walks and both Harper and Realmuto have a home run and three RBI.
McCutchen has 233 home runs, 819 RBI, and a .285/.377/.479 slash line in his career that now spans 12 seasons. The five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP is a proven veteran, who also brings personality to the team with his “Uncle Larry” alter-ego on social media.
McCutchen is valuable to the team and does deserve to be a starter, but with a rough start in a shortened season, what should the Phillies do about him?