Larry Henry Jr
Mickey Moniak has been one of the several bright spots for the Philadelphia Phillies throughout Spring Training, but the young outfielder will now miss the early stages of the 2022 MLB regular season.
Moniak will miss approximately six weeks due to a hairline fracture in his right wrist, suffered in Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. The former No. 1 overall pick by the Phillies was initially diagnosed with a bruised hand after being hit by a pitch, but the diagnosis now is much worse for Moniak.
Tough news for #Phillies CF Mickey Moniak, who is out for six weeks with a hairline fracture in his wrist. Their added offense this winter will come in handy.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 7, 2022
Moniak was pushing for a starting job in the Phillies outfield this season after hitting .371, slugging five homeruns and adding nine rbi’s during Spring Training. The 23-year-old has only earned 55 plate appearances over the past two seasons, totaling a .128 batting average and only one homerun.
Although Moniak could play in centerfield, Phillies manager Joe Girardi played down the possibility of that option earlier in this spring. Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber have both arrived in Philadelphia this offseason after strong 2021 campaigns elsewhere, giving Girardi added pop in his lineup.
Adam Haseley’s departure this spring added a spot for Moniak to join Matt Vierling and Odubel Herrera in the mix.
The Phillies open their 2022 regular season schedule on Friday at Citizens Bank Park against the Oakland Athletics.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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