Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, Phillies news. (Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports)
These three Philadelphia Phillies players should be on a short leash in 2023.
Philadelphia did something pretty awesome last year. No, it wasn’t making it to the World Series with the odds stacked against them. Cutting loose some depressing pieces on the roster in the middle of the season and eating the contracts proved the front office demanded a bunch more from the ball club.
Nobody was safe last season. The firing of Joe Girardi sparked something in the team. Weeks later we saw them DFA Jeurys Familia, Didi Gregorius, and Odubel Herrera. Each was replaced with an upgrade of some kind. There’s been plenty of Phillies news to note.
This same philosophy should carry into 2023 if Philly wants to remain successful. None of these three players they should have on a short leash are in much danger of getting cut. However, a spot on the bench or in the minor leagues could come and get them if they do not perform.
1) Phillies news: Darick Hall is on a short leash
Darick Hall should be a favorite to make the Opening Day roster as a DH option. The left-handed hitting first baseman filled in nicely during much of Bryce Harper’s absence in 2022. The same should happen at the start of the 2023 campaign.
When the Phillies face a righty, it’s Hall who should get the nod regularly. He hit .266/.300/.565 against right-handed pitchers in 130 chances. He only faced lefties a dozen times, singling once and striking out 7 times.
Hall isn’t an ideal long-term DH because of his limitations. A proven power hitter in the minor leagues since 2017, he remains a weapon for the Phillies in certain situations. Hall may even be a guy the team could consider carrying when Harper is healthy. Having his powerful stick available off the bench feels a lot like having Matt Stairs in 2008.
The Phillies have plenty of other DH options already on the MLB roster. If Hall isn’t hitting against righties, they should swiftly make a move and see who else can provide them with offense.