Out since April 6 with a fractured wrist, Phillies outfielder Mickey Moniak began a rehab assignment Friday night with Class A Clearwater and went 2 for 3 with a double and a triple.
Moniak played seven innings in left field.
The 24-year-old former first overall pick had played his way onto the Phillies' opening day roster and was even in line to start the first game of the season in center field against right-hander Frankie Montas. In 35 plate appearances during spring training, Moniak hit .371 with five home runs and four doubles.
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But in the Phils' final exhibition game in Florida, at Tropicana Field two days before their regular season began, Moniak was hit by a pitch on the right wrist and the good vibes around his strong spring evaporated.
The Phillies have tried four different centerfielders through their first 39 games. Odubel Herrera and Matt Vierling have started 14 games apiece, Roman Quinn has started eight and Simon Muzziotti started three.
Nobody has truly seized the job. Herrera (.773 OPS entering Friday's game) has done the most hitting, while Quinn has easily been the best defender of the group.
The Phillies will not rush Moniak up to the majors. He'll need at-bats and reps in the field to get back into game shape. If he hits, there will be a spot for him.
MLB
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