The drama for the Philadelphia Phillies has begun even before their first pitch of the 2018 season.
First-year Phillies manager Gabe Kapler chose to leave outfielder Odubel Herrera out of the team’s Opening Day lineup against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, citing various matchup reasons. When asked if he was upset about the decision, Herrera replied, “Of course I am,” per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Kapler: Phillies considered matchups, Nola as groundball pitcher, and upcoming matchups in decision to not play Herrera. Is he upset? “Of course I am,” Herrera said.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 29, 2018
The former All-Star Herrera, 26, is coming off a 2017 season where he hit .281/.325/.452 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs. He figures to be one of the better offensive options on a somewhat thin Phillies roster this year, but instead Kapler is rolling with an outfield of Aaron Altherr and a pair of second-years in Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins for Opening Day.
Granted, Herrera has proven that he still has some maturing to do himself, and his response to this late incident may indicate that is still the case.
