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If the Philadelphia Phillies have one big problem just prior to breaking camp, it is a lack of bodies in the outfield. Fortunately, Cedric Hunter came out of virtually nowhere to offer at least a temporary solution.
The 28-year-old has put in 10 professional seasons with only a four MLB at-bats so far, but what he has done this spring indicates he will be able to turn his temporary position into a full-time one if he is able to hit in colder weather like he has hit in Florida. In 18 games, Hunter has hit .286 with three home runs and 11 RBI and that should earn the left-handed hitter a spot in the opening day lineup. That’s a pretty good return on a guy whose longest MLB stint came in just six games for the San Diego Padres in 2011.
It could not have come out a better time because the Phillies have been hit hard by injury in the outfield. Aaron Altherr is out for the season (wrist injury) and Cody Asche has an oblique strain that will keep him off the roster that comes north, at least for a few days. Odubel Herrera, who looked to be a potential problem, now appears ready to assume his customary centerfield position. With Peter Bourjos having nailed down right field, that leaves left wide open and now Hunter appears to have the inside track.
The Phillies have a Rule 5 player, Tyler Goeddel, but he has never played above Double-A and does not appear to be ready to contribute to the Phillies in anything other than a reserve capacity. David Lough is a non-roster outfielder who could break camp with the Phillies, but none of these guys have hit like Hunter has.
There is a possibility that the Phillies could pick up someone from another organization, like Jeff Francoeur, but his availability is nowhere near certain so Hunter will have to do for now and it’s up to him to determine whether he will be around later.
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