Odubel Herrera is Making his Case for a Roster Spot

One of the stories to watch down in Clearwater at Phillies spring training is the play of former all-star Odubel Herrera.

Herrera was given the start today in right field again and made the most of it, hitting a majestic home run of Yankees pitcher Deivi Garcia.

Herrera also contributed on in the field, making a laser throw from right field, hitting the cut-off man, who fired a strike to the plate to nullify a would be Yankees run.

On the day he finished 2-for-3 with a home run, an RBI and two runs scored.

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Herrera missed all of last season and all but 39 games of the 2019 season while serving suspension.

Herrera was arrested back on May 27 after allegedly attacking his girlfriend inside the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. He allegedly left hand print markings on his girlfriend's neck and scratches on her arms. The charges against him, which included simple assault and knowingly causing bodily injury, were eventually dropped when is then girlfriend decided not to move forward with the chargers, but MLB still decided to suspend him.

"I feel sorry because I made a big mistake," Herrera told reporters on Tuesday via zoom. "I know some people are not going to forgive me, and I understand that. I spent the last two years earning [my girlfriend's] trust back and I'm grateful she forgave me. Now, I would like to have the same opportunity with my teammates, our fans and the Phillies family."

Herrera said he addressed his Phillies teammates in the clubhouse before their Wednesday game with the Blue Jays.

"I learned a lot the past two years," he said. "I feel mature. I have changed a lot. I feel I am a better person now."