Odúbel Herrera Hamstring Injury Worse Than Initially Expected

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By Paul Bowman, Sports Talk Philly Editor

While Phillies fans had their attention directed toward another outfielder that they hope will join the team soon, the team received a development on one of their outfielders in camp.

Last Wednesday, Odúbel Herrera suffered a hamstring sprain that was said to be minor. The expectation was that it would take a few days and not prevent Odúbel from progressing normally. On Monday, Jim Salusbury of NBC Sports Philly reported that the sprain is worse than initially thought.

Odubel Herrera's hamstring is a little worse than previously stated. Gabe Kapler called it a Grade 1 strain. No specific timetable when he will play

— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) February 25, 2019

Herrera has yet to see any action in the first three Spring Training games for the Phillies. While the hamstring injury should not keep him from be ready on Opening Day, fans should not expect to see him in a game this week.

As Salisbury noted, no timetable is set for his return. Hamstrings can become very tricky injuries for athletes and are liable to get aggravated or reinjured (see Darren Sproles for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018).

Herrera is entering the third year of a five-year, $30 million extension that includes two years of additional club options.

The Phillies have already added Andrew McCutchen and hope to add Bryce Harper. The team also has Roman Quinn. Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams as options at the Major League level as well as prospect Adam Haseley working his way up through the upper levels of the minor league system. Herrera is hoping to prove to the Phillies that he belongs in the future of this team

Herrera has been wildly inconsistent since being picked up in the Rule 5 Draft. While he can go on streaks that could make him look to be a potential MVP candidate, he also falls into slumps where he could go weeks without a single hit. He will hope to prove that he can avoid those slumps this season.

With Odúbel sidelined, his spot on the roster may be in jeopardy, especially if the team lands Bryce Harper. With Harper and a healthy, productive Quinn, the team may move Herrera to a bench role. That is not where he wants to be.

The Phillies resume their Spring Training schedule Tuesday when they take on the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m.