Odubel Herrera Makes First Public Comments Since Incident in AC

Phillies centerfielder Odubel Herrera is in minor league camp with the team. He made his first public comments since his arrest on domestic violence chargers last spring that occurred after an incident in an Atlantic City casino.

“I’m very regretful for what I did,” Herrera said through an interpreter in his first public comments since his arrest via the Phillies website. “It’s been a lesson learned for me and I want to turn the page and keep going with life.”

The 28-year-old former All-Star had to sit out the final 85 games of the 2019 season after getting suspended under MLB's domestic violence and abuse policy.

Herrera stated hat he wanted to say sorry to the Phillies, his teammates and the fans, taking full responsibility for this actions.

“Yes, for sure,” Herrera told Phillies.com. “Me. I have full responsibility for that. That’s how I feel.”

The Phillies designated Herrera for assignment following his 85-game suspension. He struggled when active last season, hitting just .222/ with one homer and 16 RBI over 139 plate appearances last year when active.

Once he cleared waivers, the Phillies sent him outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and is in spring training as a non-roster minor league player.

"I’m a man of faith so if the Phillies give me a second chance, I would take advantage of that and play my hardest,” Herrera told Phillies.com.

Herrera has an uphill climb to make the Phillies 26-man roster, with Adam Hasely the favorite to play center and Roman Quinn in the mix to get plenty of time as well. The Phillies also have some outfield depth with Jay Bruce, Nick Williams and Lower Cape May alum Matt Sczur, who is in camp with the team.

He is owed around $17 million over the next two years on the deal.