The Phillies made one of the best Rule 5 selections in baseball in recent times, selecting infielder/outfielder Odubel Herrera this past offseason. Leading all rookies in WAR, Herrera has produced for the Phillies, all while learning a new position in center field. Phillies fans may have noticed his exuberant reactions in recent days, whether it be upon getting a hit, walk, or making a play. This has drawn the ire of Phillies manager Pete Mackanin.
Stan Awtry of CSN Philly reports that the outbursts have been going the other way, too:
“Lately he’s been showing his emotions a little bit more and we’re not going to stand for it,” Mackanin said. “I’m sure he’s going to understand.”
Herrera had three home runs and six RBIs against the Braves over the first 18 meetings. He was likely frustrated after being robbed on a line drive to second baseman Jace Peterson in the first inning. His emotional display in the fourth rubbed Mackanin the wrong way and the manager decided it was time to send a message.
“This game is easy to play when everything is going your way,” Mackanin said. “When you’re hitting and pitching and winning games, this is easy. Character comes out when you’re struggling. What kind of person you are. That’s what talked about with pitching, how we’re pushing to get out of jams. You cannot afford to pout or feel sorry for yourself. You’ve got to play like a man.”
Herrera was removed from Sunday's game and replaced in the lineup by Brian Bogusevic and in center field by Aaron Altherr.
All-in-all, Herrera has showed promise for the Phillies in 2015. Currently without Cesar Hernandez, Maikel Franco, and Ryan Howard in the lineup, Herrera is much more exposed and has struggled in recent days. Herrera's batting average has falled from .302 to .293 since September 8 while serving as the team's third hitter almost by default. Hernandez, Herrera, Franco, and Howard were the team's one through four hitters when the team had its greatest success.
