Whit Merrifield joined the Phillies on a one-year contract in February, expecting to have enough opportunities to bat.
Now, with Trea Turner injured, Merrifield may finally get that chance. He batted second in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
Merrifield has experienced various batting positions and fielding roles in his career, including the two-hole.
While Merrifield spent most of his career as a leadoff hitter, he also had significant time batting second with the Kansas City Royals. He feels comfortable in that role.
Merrifield, primarily listed as a 'utility' player, believes his offensive skills are not as diverse as his fielding skills. He sees himself as well-suited for the second batting position.
According to Merrifield, he thinks his playing style is best suited for the two-hole. He considers himself a contact hitter who often hits behind runners, particularly when the right side of the field is open.
Kyle Schwarber was nearby and heard Merrifield's comments during an interview in the clubhouse.
Merrifield continued to emphasize his approach, mentioning that he enjoys hitting behind runners and considers himself an old-school, two-hole prototype.
In the third inning on Tuesday night, Merrifield batted behind Schwarber, who was facing his former Blue Jays teammates.
In the fourth inning, Merrifield faced a major opportunity with the bases loaded and one out. Although he struck out, this set the stage for a Bryce Harper grand slam.
Being the second hitter in the Phillies' lineup proved advantageous for Merrifield.
However, Merrifield only filled the two-hole due to J.T. Realmuto's absence, resulting from usual second hitter Turner's injury.
While defensively positioned in left field, Merrifield volunteered to play a new position after Turner's injury. Despite not having experience at shortstop in KC or Toronto, he offered to fill the role for the Phillies.
Merrifield mentioned his background as a shortstop and expressed his willingness to play the position if needed, despite not having done so in the big leagues. He assured manager Rob Thomson that he could quickly adapt to the role.
Merrifield values versatility and is open to taking on different tasks, including playing shortstop, even though it's not part of his current big-league resume.
In any case, regardless of the position in the lineup or on the field, Merrifield is simply embracing the work.
“I didn’t anticipate someone getting injured, but I did expect opportunities to bat to open up for me,” he said. “I've been a skilled player in this league for a long time, and I thought eventually that would be evident. I still believe I have plenty of energy left and I thought that would come through.
“It’s been improving in the last couple of games but I still believe I have a lot more to offer, and I'm excited to demonstrate what I can do and assist this team in winning. We're currently in a good place, and I'm doing my best to go along with it.”
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NOTES >> Thomson on Alec Bohm before the game: “He’s fine. Just a day off. He had that long streak. He’s grinding it out pretty good.” Bohm was in the dugout in street clothes during the game. His career-high 18-game hitting streak ended Monday. … With both Bohm and Realmuto out of the lineup for a night, recently warming Nick Castellanos tried his hand in the cleanup spot in the order. He opened his game with a double to knock home Harper from first base in the first inning. “(Monday) I thought his at bats were really good,” Thomson said of Castellanos. “He hit a ball hard the day before that, and he didn’t chase a ball at all yesterday, so that was good.”
