With McCutchen Hurt, Phillies Turn to Haseley

Monday night was not a good night for the Phillies.

The club lost their fifth straight, failing to muster much offense against the San Diego Padres. But the bigger loss could be outfielder Andrew McCutchen. The Phillies outfield hurt his knee while caught in a rundown in the first inning. The move leaves the Phillies scrambling from help and will turn to outfield prospect Adam Haseley.

The first word for McCutchen last night was positive.  After the game, Phillies manager Gabe Kapler told reporters including Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphiathat McCutchen suffered a sprain.

McCutchen has had knee ailments in the past, but nothing serious as a major leaguer.

The move means that Haseley will join the Phillies much ahead of schedule.  Originally down two outfielders, thanks to Odubel Herrera's arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, the Phillies added Jay Bruce to help.  But without Herrera and McCutchen, the Phillies turned to Sean Rodriguez in center last night.  Rodriguez has now made 26 appearances in center field in his career, but is not generally considered a center fielder.

Haseley was only recently promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and has appeared in just six games for the IronPigs.  But so far the results are good; Haseley is batting .320 with three doubles, a walk, and a stolen base.   Most importantly, Haseley can play center field.

But while the Phillies await the results of the MRI, the club surely will be looking for other center field options.  The Phillies have been "monitoring" outfielder Steven Duggar of the Giants, a left-handed hitter who could fill a bench role and play a solid center field.  The likes of Kevin Pillar, also of the Giants, could be available, as might Cameron Maybin once Giancarlo Stanton returns to the New York Yankees.