The Philadelphia Phillies remade outfield has produced varying results so far. With Adolis García out for the season the team has had to change things up. After that injury the team traded prospects the Chicago White Sox to acquire Derek Hill. The team also promoted outfield prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. to platoon will Hill. Rincones has played in 11 games since being promoted while Hill has played in nine since joining the Phillies. Hill has made appearances at other outfield positions while Rincones has exclusively played right field so far. Rincones can be optioned to the minors while Hill is out of minor league options.
It has been a struggle for Rincones who has a .133/.133/.233 line with one home run and three RBI entering play on June 26. Rincones has a -10 wRC+ and a .136 BABIP in the majors. Additionally Rincones has a 23.3% strikeout rate with a 0.0% walk rate. Meanwhile Hill has a .375/.375/.667 line with two home runs and five RBI since joining the team. Hill has a 186 wRC+ along with a .583 BABIP in that span. However, Hill does have a 41.7% strikeout rate and a 0.0% walk rate in this limited sample size so it is not concerning yet. Hill has already had two clutch ninth inning home runs in a series against the Washington Nationals.
Phillies Remade Outfield
Continuation Of Previous Efforts To Improve Versatility
The Phillies outfield test has continued with Edmundo Sosa getting regular outfield appearances as part of the Phillies remade outfield. Sosa has made five appearances in left field in that span. Overall this season Sosa has made 14 appearances in left field with 11 starts. While Sosa has played center field in the past he has exclusively played left field this season when in the outfield. Sosa and Justin Crawford have been effectively platooning for some time now. Crawford has a .406 OPS and a 19 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers compared to a .681 OPS and an 88 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers this season. That is why the Phillies have made this choice.
The Constant In The Changing Outfield Group
Brandon Marsh has been the lone constant in the Phillies remade outfield since the injury to García. Under former manager Rob Thomson the Phillies platooned Marsh. However, since the Phillies fired Thomson and interim manager Don Mattingly took over Marsh has been an everyday player and has thrived in the role. Marsh has a .337/.373/.540 line with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 51 games since the managerial change. To add to that Marsh has a 149 wRC+ and a .433 BABIP in that span. Marsh should be a starting outfielder for the NL in the All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Since the change Marsh has the fifth best OPS and wRC+ among qualified outfielders.
Trade Deadline Outlook At The Position
The Phillies remade outfield will likely see changes at the trade deadline. Hill has proven to be a capable fourth outfielder and has two additional years of team control remaining. Rincones should probably be sent down after another outfielder is acquired. The Phillies bench carousel ending could also open up keeping Rincones even with a trade upgrade. Either way the team should look to acquire a right-handed outfield bat to solidify the position. Hill could become the platoon partner for Crawford in center field. The two main things that will determine what they do is their willingness to move Harper back to the outfield and if they want to keep three catchers.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
