Call to the pen
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Phillies: Manager’s lineup strategy

By Tal Venada

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 30: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on April 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 30: Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on April 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Is Herrera the most exciting player on the Phillies? Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images. /

Cemented-in four:

Regarding analytics, the writers and the faithful will always find some flaw. And the reason is the numerical totality has an accuracy rate of 70 percent. Yeah, they don’t brag about that, do they?

Despite the data, Hernandez, Santana, Odubel Herrera and Rhys Hoskins are atop the batting order. However, Kapler will move a struggling player to a different part of the four like Hoskins or to the five-hole for prolonged difficulties. But when the player hits again, the front four will reappear.

Eventually, games will pile up and days off will be a necessity. For now, though, Scott Kingery will give Hernandez a rest, Williams and Altherr will occasionally fill-in for Herrera and Hoskins, who will also play first now and then.

Significantly, leadoff man Hernandez is second to Hoskins in OBP at .406, and the second sacker is one of the National League’s best in pitches per at-bat. He works counts and allows the hitters behind him to see the stuff a starter has on any given day. As for swiping bases, he’s taking more chances and is somewhat more comfortable.

When the weather heats up, Santana will as well. Currently, he has a .295 OBP, but you can expect a gradual increase to .360 or so with the home runs we’ve been anticipating. Get your homer call ready, broadcasters!

Persisting with a .333 average and a .392 OBP, Herrera has claimed the three slot between Santana and Hoskins. And he replaced the bat flips with circus catches. Of course, if he makes a fielding or base running mistake, every single one will be fodder for his detractors.

After he had received his Phillies’ call-up, Hoskins launched bombs and displayed plate discipline with extraordinary patience. And then fatigue slowed him down during his first September of pro ball. His tank was almost empty. And although he’s hitting .296 with a .444 OBP, he’s 2 for 20 in his last five games with three walks.

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