Breaking News: Phillies Confirm Ground-breaking Return for All-Star

The Philadelphia Phillies expect the star to return from the injured list during their road trip, which will mix up their outfield lineup. On Saturday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated Hays may return as early as Friday night for their series against the Kansas City Royals. Thomson stated that Hays may be sent on a rehab assignment, which he cannot refuse due to a lack of major league service time. The Phillies’ outfield should appear different when he returns than it did before the injury. When Hays returns, anticipate Cal Stevenson to be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Prior to his injury, Hays was establishing himself as the Phillies’ starting left fielder. In the 10 games following his trade from the Baltimore Orioles, he posted a .263/.282/.395 batting line, hitting one home run and driving in four runs. During this period, he had an 87 wRC+ and a .346 BABIP. However, Johan Rojas has performed exceptionally well in Hays’ absence. Over the eight games since Hays went down, Rojas has recorded a .296/.345/.370 line with no home runs but five RBIs, along with a 103 wRC+ and a .381 BABIP. Moreover, in 10 games played in August, Rojas has excelled with a .333/.389/.394 line, a 124 wRC+, and a .423 BABIP. Given his strong performance, Rojas should see more consistent playing time even when Hays returns.

The Phillies Outfield Should Look Like This Back After Austin Hays’ Return

Interesting Splits

The current performance splits of Hays, Rojas, Brandon Marsh, and Weston Wilson create a complex playing time situation for the Phillies’ outfield. In 2024, Marsh has posted a .770 OPS and a 114 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. Although Wilson has superior stats against righties compared to both Rojas and Hays this season, he is not considered for an expanded role in these scenarios. Rojas has a .643 OPS and an 81 wRC+ against right-handers, while Hays has struggled with a .586 OPS and a 66 wRC+ against the same pitchers. Based on these statistics, Rojas would be a more suitable option than Hays against right-handed pitchers. This shift would also allow Marsh to play more frequently in his optimal defensive position, left field.

Wilson plays a key role against left-handed pitchers, boasting a remarkable 1.322 OPS and a 253 wRC+ in limited appearances this season. He has appeared in 18 major league games and shared left field duties with Marsh for a few weeks. Hays has also excelled against southpaws with a .906 OPS and a 156 wRC+. In contrast, Rojas and Marsh have struggled against lefties, with Rojas recording a .457 OPS and a 27 wRC+, and Marsh having a .523 OPS and a 48 wRC+. If playing time were based solely on these splits, Marsh and Rojas would be the starters against right-handed pitchers, while Wilson and Hays would take the field against lefties.

 

What Should Happen

For defensive reasons, either Marsh or Rojas should start against left-handed pitchers. Both Marsh and Rojas have superior Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value in center field compared to Hays. While using righty/lefty splits to determine playing time seems logical, it doesn’t always work well in practice. Therefore, a platoon system with Marsh and Rojas in center field is the most effective approach. Although Wilson recently hit for the cycle and has performed admirably in his limited major league appearances, Hays has earned his spot as the everyday left fielder.

Despite Marsh’s recent improvement against left-handed pitching, manager Thomson should consider a platoon with Rojas if Hays continues to start every day. Rojas has been too productive at the plate to be frequently benched. Alternatively, a platoon involving both Rojas and Hays could be effective if Thomson opts for that strategy. Initially, this seems to be the best choice, allowing Hays to gradually return to form. Once he is fully integrated back into the lineup, a Marsh/Rojas center field platoon would be the optimal solution. These are the most practical options unless Thomson decides to start Wilson and Hays against left-handed pitchers.