Victorino to DL; Brown Receives Call
By Editorial Staff
Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino was added to the team’s 15 day disabled list today because of a strained hamstring.
The Flyin’ Hawaiian has not started for the Phils since last Saturday, a game which he exited early because of a sore right leg. At the time the Phillies did not expect their centerfielder to miss significant time.
Victorino has had success as Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter this season. He offers a nice balance at the top of the order, showcasing his speed with 8 stolen bases as well as his pop with 17 extra base hits on the year.
Victorino will surely be missed by a Phillies club that has only managed 2.5 runs per game over their last 14 contests.
John Mayberry will be the likely replacement for Victorino in center.
The Phillies have called up top prospect Domonic Brown to fill their open roster spot. The right fielder entered this season rated as Baseball America’s 4th best prospect. A gifted athlete, Brown has been compared to Carlos Gonzales and a young Darryl Strawberry.
Brown has played in 11 games for the Phils AAA club since returning from a broken hand. He’s mashed, dominating at a rate of .341/.431/.537.
With his hot start, the club must feel the lifetime .298 minor league hitter has nothing left to prove on the farm. Brown is 23, set to turn 24 in September, so he’s at an age where he should be ready to hone his craft at the major league level.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. made it clear that Brown will not simply be an extra outfielder for the team.
"“He’s got to play,” Amaro said. “It’s important for him to play. How much, I think he’ll dictate that. … But Charlie is pretty good at breaking guys into the big leagues. He did it with Chase (Utley). He did it with (Ryan) Howard. And this is a circumstance where we need to break him in.”"
Manager Charlie Manuel reiterated the point, saying that the team will handle Brown differently than they did during his debut last season. Manuel states that you will see Brown playing more than he was in 2010.
With current players Ben Francisco and Raul Ibanez manning the corner outfield spots, I think it’s the right move. Both veterans are only signed through 2011, and I don’t think Phillies fans will be too heartbroken if the two see their playing time reduced in favor of the team’s top prospect.