Call to the pen
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Philadelphia Phillies should call Lorenzo Cain when he clears waivers

By David Hill

May 29, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) catches a fly ball by the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) catches a fly ball by the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is not a secret that the Philadelphia Phillies need a center fielder that is capable of actually catching the ball. While Odubel Herrera has been solid with the bat this season, the Phillies’ outfield defense has been mediocre at best.

It certainly does not help that Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos are at the corners. Schwarber has the range of a statue and is best suited for a designated hitter role; however, he is pressed into the outfield due to Bryce Harper having a small tear in the UCL of his throwing arm. As Harper has to slot in as the Phillies’ DH, they have no other choice.

Philadelphia Phillies could fix defensive issue with Lorenzo Cain

Considering their defensive issues in the outfield, it is not a surprise that the Phillies are looking for an answer in center. They are expected to be busy at the trade deadline, pursuing that upgrade in the outfield and bullpen help. However, they may be able to land a stopgap option in center with Lorenzo Cain.

Cain had been designated for assignment on Saturday as the Brewers just could not justify giving him a spot in the lineup any longer. His bat had fallen off drastically as he has produced a disappointing .179/.231/.234 batting line in his 156 plate appearances, hitting a homer and five doubles. It is also uncertain as to whether or not Cain is going to want to return to the diamond based on his comments.

That should not stop the Phillies from picking up the phone when he clears waivers. As bad as Cain’s bat has been, he can still catch the ball, his two runs saved outpacing the Phillies’ outfield. He could be used as a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement while his postseason experience could help a team attempting to find their way back to the playoffs.

Chances are, Cain does not have much left in the tank. The end is in sight if he has not already reached that point. However, he may have one final act left, even if it is a smaller role with the Phillies.

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The Philadelphia Phillies need an outfielder capable of actually playing defense. Placing a call to Lorenzo Cain would make plenty of sense.

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