DENVER - The Phillies placed centerfielder Odubel Herrera on the 10-day injured list before Thursday night's game against the Rockies and activated Roman Quinn from his minor-league rehabilitation assignment.
Quinn was in the starting lineup, playing center field and batting sixth, against Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland.
The transaction involving Herrera and Quinn temporarily solved a roster riddle for the Phillies. Quinn's 20-day rehab stint was due to expire next week and he had to go on the 25-man roster because he is out of minor-league options. The Phils would have had to clear room for him by subtracting a player, possibly outfielder Aaron Altherr or outfielder Nick Williams. Like Quinn, Altherr is out of options so he could be a trade candidate. Williams can be sent to the minors.
The Phillies could still have to face this decision soon because it does not sound as if Herrera will need significant time on the IL. He has a minor hamstring injury.
"He reported today with mild soreness, a little bit tender to the touch," manager Gabe Kapler said. "At that point, we knew it was going to be a couple of days and if it's going to be a couple of days we need to protect the ballclub and protect Odubel."
Herrera said he did not believe he would need more than 10 days on the IL.
Quinn, exciting but oft-injured, could ultimately push Herrera for time in center field. He has game-changing speed and gap power.
"When he hits a single, we see it as a possible double or triple or he can score easily from first base on a single," Kapler said. "He's just different than a lot of guys in the league."
Quinn suffered an oblique strain in spring training.
"I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm excited."
Kapler said Quinn would not be the only player to gets reps in center field while Herrera was out. Altherr figures to get some time. Scott Kingery could also get some time there, possibly next week in New York. For now, however, Kingery is at shortstop, possibly for the next two or three days, as Jean Segura deals with hamstring tightness. Segura has not been placed on the IL. The Phillies are carrying utility infielder Phil Gosselin as insurance and going with just seven relievers. They typically carry eight.
Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.
