Schierholtz will miss at least three to four weeks with a broken right big toe. Photo: AP
Nate Schierholtz will miss at least three to four weeks with a broken right big toe, according to Matt Gelb. Schierholtz was hitting .219/.278/.344 (7 for 32) in 11 games with the Phillies with one home run. Gelb reports that Laynce Nix will see time in center field and Domonic Brown will remain primarily in right.
Infielder Hector Luna was recalled to replace Schierholtz. Luna is hitting .291/.338/.453 with six home runs for the IronPigs. No word on if Luna will see any time at third or how he would factor in with the hot-hitting Kevin Frandsen (.326/.367/.413, 15 for 49) manning the hot corner. Luna was likely called-up instead of an outfielder because the Phillies do not currently have any other outfielders on the 40-man roster aside from Double-A Reading’s Tyson Gillies, who is performing well (.293/.371/.441, 3 HRs, 8 SB) but whose time has been limited by injury and suspension (45 games played).
In other third base news, Placido Polanco is expected to start a rehab assignment Wednesday. Polanco began hitting last Thursday as first reported by the Morning Call and may be activated for Saturday’s game in Milwaukee. Polanco has been battling lower back inflamation.
Commentary: Although Schierholtz has struggled since arriving in Philadelphia, his .219/.278/.344 line has actually been better than Hunter Pence’s .154/.167/.288 line in San Francisco. Schierholtz has looked comfortable playing both center and right in 11 games in Philadelphia. Nix is an interesting choice to man center field in his absence, particularly with the availability of Brown, unless the Phillies value Brown’s arm more in right field.
