RADIO
Odubel Herrera Looks To Build Off Of Second Half Successes
7 years agoOdubel Herrera had a rollercoaster 2017 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. A strained hamstring injury resulted in just 138 games played this season, a career-low. He also went on to see a sharp decline in BB%, an increase in K% and a career-low .281 batting average. These factors were highly influenced by his early season woes, as he posted a .256/.292/.393 slash line prior to the All-Star break before bouncing back with a .323/.378/.551 effort afterwards. These changes from the first to second halves also came with improvements in the aforementioned K and BB percentages and a 40 percentage point increase in BABIP. Even amidst his inconsistency in production last season, Herrera still managed to pick up 56 RBI, a career best, while also racking up 42 doubles. Entering the new season, there are numerous changes to the Phillies that could end up helping Herrera bounce back. A managerial change, the arrival of free agent Carlos Santana and a full season of phenom Rhys Hoskins could help ease Herrera back into a groove. The 26-year-old will be available late and is definitely worth a bench spot for outfield. Look for his steals to return and perhaps a career-high in runs as his lineup grows more potent.
