LAKELAND, Fla. -- Phillies centerfielder Odubel Herrera missed his eighth straight game Monday because of a sore left middle finger, and manager Pete Mackanin is concerned.
“I kind of thought he’d be further along than he is, but he says he still feels something there,” Mackanin said. “We might have him re-evaluated tomorrow.”
Two weeks before opening day, this is not good news for an area of the roster that has already suffered a major blow with Aaron Altherr going down for up to six months with a wrist injury and Cody Asche possibly opening the season on the disabled list with an oblique injury.
“Yeah, I’m concerned about it,” Mackanin said of Herrera’s injury. “I don’t want to say it’s more than it is. He might be just being cautious. I’m anxious to see where he’s at. He’s one of our best hitters and I want to make sure he’s healthy going into the season.”
Herrera injured his left middle finger diving into home plate earlier this month. He played through some soreness then had an X-ray last week. The X-ray was negative, but Herrera is still feeling some discomfort on the inner aspect of the finger.
Herrera has downplayed the injury to reporters. On Sunday, he said he hoped to take batting practice on Tuesday.
If Herrera can’t open the season on time, Peter Bourjos would play center field. Tyler Goeddel would likely start at one of the corner spots. Non-roster players Cedric Hunter and David Lough have both played well in camp and could play themselves onto the team. The Phils could also add an outfielder from outside the system. General manager Matt Klentak has said he is keeping his ears open to opportunities that may pop up with other clubs.