Phillies Add Healthy Quinn to Big League Roster
Once a prospect for the Phillies, outfielder Roman Quinn has hardly been able to stay on the field. While there is not a particular individual issue that has plagued Quinn over and over, Quinn has certainly racked up various injuries over his time in the Phillies organization. But finally healthy, Quinn is joining the Phillies.
The Phillies announced that Quinn will take the roster spot most recently vacated by Ranger Suarez, who made a fill-in start last night in Cincinnati. The Phillies optioned Mitch Walding to make room for Jake Thompson after Tuesday evening's extra-inning affair, so Quinn completes the bench.
Quinn had been on the disabled list since May with a torn ligament in his middle finger on his right hand.
Quinn will provide stellar defense for the Phillies and can hit from both sides of the plate. That means that the Phillies bench will be comprised of righty Trevor Plouffe and three switch-hitters with Quinn, Jesmuel Valentin and Andrew Knapp.
The versatile Phillies also have switch-hitters in Carlos Santana, Cesar Hernandez, and Pat Neshek (though he rarely bats).
Quinn made his major league debut with the Phillies in 2016 but has not made it to the major leagues since. Quinn would have greatly helped the Phillies last year, but Quinn was placed on the disabled list with inflammation in his UCL in his right elbow.
Quinn is still listed as the 16th best prospect in the Phillies system on MLB Pipeline.
Quinn returned to shortstop, the position in which he was drafted this Spring with the Phillies, trying to increase his versatility. After heading to the minor leagues, Quinn only played outfield before his injury. Quinn will be used as an outfielder on this Phillies team, who had just three natural outfielders on the roster until Quinn was added.
The Phillies sent outfielder Aaron Altherr to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after disappointing production. Quinn could get some of the right-handed at bats in right field Altherr once took. Quinn will also be a more than capable sub for Odubel Herrera should he get a day off.