Phillies announce long-awaited winner of CF competition – That Balls Outta Here

It took the entirety of spring training for the Philadelphia Phillies to reveal which center fielders would make the teams Opening Day roster.

But, after the final out of teams 28-game 2021 Grapefruit League schedule was recorded early Monday evening, the winner of the seemingly never-ending competition was finally revealed.

And, its not necessarily one winner that came out on top, as a platoon will very much be a factor at the center field position.

The Phillies announced that former first-round pick Adam Haseley has made the Opening Day roster along with speedy outfielder Roman Quinn and that non-roster invitee Odubel Herrera will report to the alternate training site at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Matt Joyce, a fellow non-roster invitee, was previously announced to have made the Opening Day roster. Joyce, Haseley, and Quinn will likely all see playing time at center field, at least early on in the regular season.

Haseley finished spring training on a tear, collecting three hits in seven at-bats, including a double along with four RBI, one stolen base, and just one strikeout. He began spring training on just as impressive on a pace, including launching the teams second pitch seen at the plate for a home run. However, a groin injury that was first thought to sideline Haseley for the remainder of spring wound up not being as serious, and he returned earlier than expected.

Herrera, who remains surrounded by a controversial cloud due to his domestic violence suspension two seasons ago, finished the spring hitting just .231 with a .245 on-base percentage. His best game came on Saturday against the Tigers, going 3-for-4 with a double and home run. However, Herrera went hitless in his final five at-bats.

As The Athletics Jayson Stark notes, Herrera did not force the Phillies hand. So much so, not even to put him on the roster over Quinn whoslashed .270/.341/.405 this spring with a pair of doubles, one home run, four walks, and 15 strikeouts through 37 at-bats. Quinn successfully stole each of his four attempts.

The Phillies Opening Day roster is now complete and ready to go for Thursdays matchup opposite the Atlanta Braves. Whether theirbaseball decision to keep Haseley, Quinn, and Joyce over Herrera will be a good one remains to be seen.

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Phillies announce long-awaited winner of CF competition - That Balls Outta Here