With 19 games remaining in the season, the Phillies have shifted even deeper into an evaluation/development mode.
It was reflected in Pete Mackanin's lineup for Monday night's series opener against the Miami Marlins.
Mackanin unveiled what could be next year's opening day outfield with Odubel Herrera in center, Aaron Altherr in left and Nick Williams in right.
He gave J.P. Crawford his first look at second base.
And Jorge Alfaro was behind the plate with Rhys Hoskins at first base. Alfaro has recently begun to cut into catcher Cameron Rupp's playing time and Hoskins will start to cut into first baseman Tommy Joseph's.
"I want see Alfaro as much as I can," Mackanin said. "I'll get him the bulk of the reps [at catcher].
"And Hoskins will play more first base now that Altherr is back in the mix. I spoke to Tommy and he understands. We want to see Altherr, and Hoskins, we want to see him at first base."
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Hoskins is a first baseman by trade. Since coming up from Triple A, he has gotten most of his reps in left field, which was convenient with Altherr on the disabled list. Altherr returned to the lineup on Sunday and will now push Hoskins to his natural position - the position he is expected to play on opening day next season.
Crawford is merely getting a look at second base. It's a way to get him at-bats without completely disrupting Freddy Galvis' season. Crawford is still considered the Phillies' shortstop of the future. Galvis, second baseman Cesar Hernandez, Joseph and Rupp could all be shopped for trades this winter as the Phillies continue to rebuild and transition. Second baseman Scott Kingery will likely be part of that transition, but, for future control reasons, probably won't be considered for a call-up until a month or so into next season.
Six-man rotation coming
Pitcher Henderson Alvarez was in the Phillies' clubhouse, in uniform, before Tuesday night's game. Alvarez was recently signed by the Phils after a stint with the independent Long Island Ducks. He finished the season with Triple A Lehigh Valley and will be added to the big-league roster in the coming days. Mackanin said Alvarez would likely pitch on Sunday as the Phils finish the season with a six-man rotation. The Phils want to get a look at Alvarez and shave a few innings off their starters as the season winds down.
Alvarez, 27, was an All-Star with Miami in 2014 before his career was derailed by a shoulder injury.
