3 Phillies Playing Their Final Home Series in Philadelphia
By Jovan Alford
3. Cal Stevenson
The veteran outfielder has been serviceable as a left-handed pinch hitter and defensive replacement for the Phils since being called up early last month from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
However, the 28-year-old center fielder is the third-best pinch hitter between himself, Weston Wilson, and Kody Clemens. Stevenson is hitting .250 with three doubles and six home runs this season.
But it’s hard to see Philadelphia bringing Stevenson back next season, with what they have in the outfield, which doesn’t include Austin Hays and top-tier prospect Justin Crawford. Hays was acquired before the MLB trade deadline and was viewed as the perfect platoon option in the outfield (insert stats).
However, Hays has missed considerable time with the Phillies due to a hamstring issue and a kidney infection. The good news for Hays is that he’s on a rehab assignment in Triple-A.
As for Crawford, the 20-year-old is having a monster season in the minors, hitting .313 with nine home runs and 61 RBI between Jersey Shore (A+) and Reading (AA). Stevenson has been an adequate option down the stretch for the Phillies, but they will have better bat options on the roster or can acquire this offseason.
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