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Joe Girardi explains how he plans to manage Roman Quinn in 2020

In terms of when he made his Major League Debut, Roman Quinn, who first appeared in red pinstripes in September of 2016, is one of the longest-tenured Phillies position players. However, injures have limited the electric center fielder to just 109 major league games in his career thus far.

Roman Quinn is hoping to play a key role for the Phillies in 2020. (Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)

Without certainty about who will receive the bulk of the at-bats in center field, Joe Giardi knows that finding the right balance with Quinn is important in 2020.

“I think that’s something we’re going to have to work through, and it’s a lot of communication,” Girardi said. “I talk to Roman on a pretty regular basis, [asking] where his legs are, how he’s feeling, what we should do. Yeah, he is electric when he’s out there, there’s no doubt about it. And I told him ‘The big thing is keeping you healthy, young man.’ So communicate, take care of your legs every day, and let’s see what you can do.”

There is some hope that in a 60-game season, rather than the normal 162-game slate, Quinn may be able to stay healthier. That said, the most games he’s ever played at the major league level in one season are the 50 that he played in during the 2018 season. Even when you combine minor league appearances, the most total games that he’s played in an individual season over the past four years is 78 in 2018. Despite the shortened season length, it will still be crucial to balance wanting the 27-year-old on the field with making sure he stays healthy for as much of the season as possible.

If healthy, Quinn could play a major role for the 2020 team. Both he and Adam Haseley have impressed in summer camp, and Girardi has yet to name a starter in center field. Even if Girardi ultimately turns to a platoon in center field and Haseley gets the first shot, Quinn could get increased at-bats because he’s capable of playing all three outfield spots, something that may come into play on days where Bryce Harper or Andrew McCutchen are either off or used as a DH. Additionally, extra innings this season will start with a runner on second base, and as the fastest player on the team, the Phillies may be inclined to pinch run Quinn in those situations if he isn’t already in the lineup.

For a team to reach the postseason, a ton has to go right. Maybe 2020 will be the season that Quinn’s body allows him to finally prove how valuable he could be to a playoff-contending team.