Philadelphia Phillies: Mickey Moniak puts center field on the board

To say that the Philadelphia Phillies had not gotten any production at all out of center field this year would be a slight over-exaggeration. Heading into Wednesday, they had gotten a grand total of six hits from their center fielders, with one double, in 69 plate appearances. In that span, those players had drawn five walks and struck out 23 times. At least it was slightly better than putting a scarecrow at the plate. Slightly.

On Wednesday, the Phillies actually got some offense from center. Mickey Moniak took an Anthony DeSclanfani sinker to left center for a three run homer, the first hit by a Phillies’ center fielder this year.

Mickey Moniak gets the monkey off the Philadelphia Phillies back

That home run was a series of firsts. Not only was it the first homer for a Phillies’ center fielder this year, but it was also the first of Moniak’s career. Hopefully, he is able to get that ball back as a keepsake.

As pleased as the Phillies and Moniak may be to have that homer out of the way, it is possible that this can lead to more. Moniak had just four hits in 35 plate appearances heading into Wednesday’s game, drawing six walks and striking out 14 times. The former first overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft had been a disappointment.

But sometimes, all it takes is one moment. How often do prospects come to the majors and struggle, only to have a switch flip on once they get that first hit or first home run out of the way? A weight lifts from their shoulders, and they start to feel as though they truly belong.

The Phillies have to hope that will be the case with Moniak. They desperately need someone to step up and take center for their own, which has not been the case this year. Ideally, that would be Moniak, both this year and into the foreseeable future. But he needs to prove that he can play at the major league level first.

The Philadelphia Phillies finally got some production from a center fielder this year. They just have to hope this is the beginning for Mickey Moniak.