The Phillies got one step closer to full health on Saturday. Center fielder Odubel Herrera was activated from the 10-day injured list, the team announced. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Phillies designated for assignment the contract of Aaron Altherr.
The Phillies lineup can now once again feature their Opening Day lineup for the first time since April 19. That lineup immediately put up big numbers before being broken up by an injury to shortstop Jean Segura. The club still remains without primary substitute Scott Kingery.
As for Altherr, he is mired in a disappointing season. Earlier this season it was considered a matter of worry what to do when Altherr, Nick Williams and Roman Quinn were all healthy. Even though Quinn is on the injured list, Altherr departs the active roster while the likes of Sean Rodriguez and Phil Gosselin remain.
Altherr was out of minor league options and was batting just .034 on the season. Though it was once considered a given that if the Phillies attempted to pass Altherr through waivers another club would claim him, teams may be worried about his offensive output. Altherr remains a solid defensive option on the field.
Altherr's departure means there is an extra spot on the Phillies 40-man roster they might wish to utilize in the future. Currently reliever Tommy Hunter is the only member of the 60-day disabled list that will need to re-claim a roster spot. However, his return is not imminent.
Herrera was not in Saturday's lineup against the Washington Nationals. Instead, Gosselin started in left field. Cesar Hernandez also had the night off, with Sean Rodriguez playing second base.
