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San Diego – Andrew McCutchen leaned his crutches against the wall and made a hard announcement.
"My ACL is torn," he said Tuesday afternoon. "So I'm out for the season. It's an insipid dynamic. This is not the news everyone wants to hear. This is not the news I wanted to hear.
The 32-year-old was injured in a base injury in the first round of Monday night's 8-2 loss to the San Diego Padres.
The injury is a blow for the Phillies. McCutchen, who is in his first year with the Phillies, has brought his professionalism to the clubhouse, his excellent innings and his skill on the base at the top of the team's lineup and his strong left-field defense. Among the men leading the major leagues, he is sixth in percentage on base (.378) and first in points (45).
McCutchen is the fifth player to be removed from the Phillies list in recent weeks, joining Nick Williams (demoted as Triple A), Odubel Herrera (on administrative leave after a charge of domestic violence), Roman Quinn (injured) and Aaron Altherr (designated for assignment).
"Really disappointing," said director, Gabe Kapler, at the announcement of McCutchen's loss. "Andrew has not only been a catalyst at the top of our lineup, but a catalyst in our clubhouse, someone that everyone under this roof respects greatly."
McCutchen's injury becomes an opportunity for Adam Haseley, the team's first pick in the 2017 draft. The 23-year-old was called after just six Triple A games and was in the starting lineup, in the middle of the draw. field, Tuesday night. The Phils were trying to stop a series of five consecutive losses at the top of the season.
"It's a loss," Kapler said. "At the same time, it's an opportunity for Adam Haseley to show us how ready he is to help us and we think he's ready. Every time you have a disappointing defeat, you also have an opportunity to progress and meet a bar and take up a challenge. I think the guys in our club are ready for this challenge. "
Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at some of the issues the Phillies are facing to deal with McCutchen's loss:
Who starts?
César Hernandez was there on Tuesday night.
"We have some options," said Kapler. "Bryce (Harper) has reached the starting point in the past. Cesar has been very successful in the past. Scott (Kingery) has been so good that he should also be considered to be at the top of the list.
"I do not want to make a statement right now. Let's see how it goes, let's see how Caesar behaves up there. For two good months, he was one of the best strikers in baseball last year. He will not go out of his element.
How much will Haseley play?
A lot.
"He's going to have a chance to play regularly," Kapler said. "At the minor league level, he proved that he was prepared for that. He has been on fastballs. It improves defensively. It is not a finished product. There is still work to be done, but for him to really develop, he will have to play here, play regularly, and we will discover how ready he is. "
Will Kingery continue to play in the middle of the field?
Sometimes, yes, but he seems to be about to supplant Maikel Franco on third base. He was back at the position on Tuesday night.
"Scott will look a little on the third base," said Kapler.
Will Bryce Harper have time in the middle of the field?
No, said Kapler.
Are there any other options in the central field?
Yes. Quinn should be back from his groin injury by the end of the month. Nobody knows what will happen to Herrera, who is currently dealing with more serious problems off the field.
If Haseley turns out to be above his head and Kingery has to stay in third place, the Phils will have to seek help in the middle field. Williams is not a center player.
How much will Jay Bruce play?
A lot.
It was acquired for the depth and muscle of the bench. He now aligns to replace McCutchen in the left field.
Will McCutchen be back next season?
He said that he would be. He is still two years old in his $ 50 million, three-year contract.
Will he be operated on?
Yes, but it has not been programmed.
What do teammates say?
"It's a disappointment," said Bryce Harper. "I think for us it is the top of our range. It's one of our veterans we need every day. But I can not wait to see what Haseley is going to do. He is an excellent player. I can not wait to see him play in the middle of the field and wander a little. He had a great year in the minor leagues.
"I'm excited to see this next man's mentality."
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