Philadelphia Phillies: Odubel Herrera gets Bryce Harper’s seal of approval
By David Hill
Odubel Herrera may be one of the more controversial figures on the Philadelphia Phillies. He had been banished from the team, and the 40 man roster, due to his declining production and suspension for violating the Major League Baseball policy against domestic violence. His return to the majors was a move of desperation as the Phillies had been unable to get anything at all out of center field to begin the 2021 season.
Although Herrera has not exactly lit the baseball universe on fire, his play has earned the approval and respect of his teammates. Bryce Harper went out of his way to state that Herrera is considered one of them, a Phillie.
Bryce Harper on Odubel Herrera: "He's been good, playing the game hard, playing it right. He's one of us. He's a Phillie."
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) May 13, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera earns praise for his play
Herrera’s numbers may not look overly impressive. He has produced a .229/.302/.396 batting line in his 54 plate appearances, hitting two homers and two doubles. Defensively, he has actually cost the Phillies three runs in center. Those numbers would not appear to be anything to write home about.
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But these numbers also need to be considered in context. Phillies’ center fielders had been historically awful before Herrera had been called up, as Mickey Moniak was not ready and Roman Quinn was ineffective prior to being placed on the Injured List. With Adam Haseley away from the team for personal reasons, the Phillies needed Herrera to come through.
He has done exactly that. Even if his 94 OPS+ is below average, it is far better than what the Phillies had received. He has been playing hard, hustling on the basepaths and in the field. The Phillies have also been playing well of late, having won seven of their last nine games heading into Thursday.
And really, that is what the team needed from Herrera. They needed him to play hard, to get the occasional base knock, and to be a solid teammate. Thus far, he has delivered, being the player and teammate that the Phillies needed.
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Odubel Herrera has earned Bryce Harper’s seal of approval. Since being recalled to the majors, he has been everything the Philadelphia Phillies needed him to be.