Cincinnati Reds: Nick Senzel takes his rookie tour to Philadelphia

Phillies infield is leading the way

First baseman Rhys Hoskins is doing damage. Smashing 13 homers and driving in 42 the right-handed slugger has been the most feared hitter in the Phillies’ lineup. Slashing .267/.390/.516 Hoskins has enjoyed the hitter-friendly dimensions of Citizens Bank Park.

Blasting 8 home runs and 7 doubles in front of the home fans, Rhys Hoskins has compiled a ridiculous 1.020 OPS at home. Hoskins eyes will surely light up when he sees Tanner Roark on the mound. In 15 career at-bats, he has 4 doubles and a home run against the Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander.

When the Seattle Mariners sent Jean Segura to the Phillies in December, I thought to myself, “What are the Mariners doing?” It’s June and I still don’t know what the Mariners are doing, but I do know Segura is hitting at a high clip as usual.

The two-time All-Star is slashing .292/.342/.448 in his first year in Philadelphia. Like most Phillies’ hitters, he’s a fan of Citizens Bank Park. Hitting .321 in front of a tough home crowd is the best way to make a positive first impression.

One of the more underrated players in the National League over the past several years is Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez. Over parts of 7 seasons in Philly, Hernandez has hit .277 with a .355 OBP. What’s more impressive is the 5’10”, 160-pound infielder has added a little power to his game.

Last year, Cesar Hernandez hit a career-high 15 home runs and this year he’s already added 6 round trippers. If the game is on line late look for Hernandez to be a difficult out. When facing Cincinnati Reds’ relievers Raisel Iglesias and David Hernandez he’s a combined 5-10 with 2 doubles. David Bell consider this your warning.