The Phillies have made an interesting roster move ahead of Wednesday night’s game against the Mets in New York.
Outfielder Adam Haseley has left the club for personal reasons.
The team has recalled outfielder Mickey Moniak to take Haseley’s place on the roster.
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Haseley has been placed on the restricted list and there is no timetable for his return, according to the team. There was no further word on the reason for his departure other than it was personal in nature.
Haseley, 25, had been off to a slow start with the Phillies, hitting .190 (4 for 21) in nine games. He and Roman Quinn had been holding down center field in the early part of the season. Quinn has also been struggling. He is hitting .059 (1 for 17) with one walk and nine strikeouts.
Moniak is expected to get some time in center field, though he might not start on Wednesday night because the Phillies are facing a lefty in David Peterson. Quinn is a switch-hitter and could get the start. More will be known on that when manager Joe Girardi holds his pre-game media session.
Moniak, 22, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. He had an eight-game cameo in the big leagues last year and had three hits in 14 at-bats. He impressed team officials with his play in spring training.
MLB
The Phillies had a number of options in replacing Haseley. Scott Kingery, Odubel Herrera and Travis Jankowski are all at the alternate site. With Haseley going on the restricted list, the Phillies freed up a spot on their 40-man roster, so they could have added Herrera or Jankowski. Kingery is already on the 40-man roster, but Girardi indicated earlier this week he's not ready to return.
Girardi said Moniak was the best option among the group.
"We felt Mickey’s at-bats were probably the best," he said. "We liked what we saw in spring training and we felt he was probably the most ready to help up."
Girardi said Moniak would get time in center field against right-handed pitching.
"He's going to get a shot and we're hoping that he’s a boost in the arm," Girardi said. "I'm planning on playing him. I think he’s got a bright future."
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