That Balls Outta Here
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3 Players on short leashes as Phillies’ struggles continue

By Gabrielle Starr

Matt Vierling #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Matt Vierling #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Simon Muzziotti (12) (Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Simon Muzziotti OF

Much like Matt Vierling, Simon Muzziotti is essentially subbing in. When Odúbel Herrera and Mickey Moniak return from their respective injuries, the young outfield prospect will be returned to the minors, which makes sense, as he leapfrogged over Triple-A to make his big-league debut.

However, unlike Vierling, who looks ill-equipped to start in center, Muzziotti is a promising look at the position’s future. In Friday’s loss to the Marlins, he made excellent defensive plays and recorded his first big-league hit, an opposite-field single. At the time, Vierling was 0-for-15 to start the season.

It’s also worth noting that Muzziotti got the call to fill in for Moniak over outfielders in the Phillies’ Triple-A club; he was slated to start the season with Double-A Reading before Moniak’s injury. It speaks to Muzziotti’s talent that he got the call over a familiar face; Lehigh Valley IronPigs roster currently includes Roman Quinn, who re-signed with the organization the first weekend of the MLB season. He’s 3-for-7 so far this season with a home run and RBI.

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