Odubel Herrera back in the lineup for the Phillies
It's no secret that the Phillies have been lacking output from the center field position and now they've exhausted their final internal option in calling up Odubel Herrera. 

The club announced the move this afternoon, sending Mickey Moniak back to the alternate site in Lehigh Valley to make room. 

Herrera, 29, was arrested in 2019 for simple assault and was suspended for 85-games for violating the league’s domestic abuse policy. The charges were eventually dropped, but he didn't play at all last season. 

This isn't how the Phillies envisioned this situation playing out, but between Adam Haseley, Roman Quinn, and Moniak, the center field position has a combined -0.7 WAR, tied for the worst mark in baseball. 

“We just felt it was time," Philadelphia manager Joe Girardi said. "I think he's really excited to have this opportunity to prove himself to his teammates, the organization and to the fan base. He's worked really hard to get this opportunity and now he has to make the most of it. 

"Some people aren't necessarily going to like this decision and those are feelings I respect. Some people probably don't care so much either way. And there will be other people who say, 'Let's see what he can do with a second chance.' There is probably a myriad of emotions with the fans in the stands, and I get that, and we'll deal with them as they come." 

Girardi has said he has spoken to players to see if there were any objections to Herrera joining the clubhouse. 

"If it was a big issue, it would have been brought to my attention," he said. "That has not been the case."
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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