Craving offense, Phillies sit Ben Revere
Ben Revere reached base three times Sunday, just the second time that happened in 27 games, and that earned him a spot on the bench Monday.
SAN FRANCISCO — Ben Revere reached base three times Sunday, just the second time that happened in 27 games, and that earned him a spot on the bench Monday.
The Phillies ranked 14th in the National League with a .669 OPS entering play Monday. Revere is far from the sole culprit, but when the lineup is struggling, the manager will typically seek the weakest link and remove him.
That, right now, is Revere.
"I didn't say Ben couldn't hit," Charlie Manuel said. "He hit 294 in the big leagues in 500 at bats last year. He can hit. He's scuffling right now."
But, Manuel admitted, he can use John Mayberry Jr. in center field against more lefthanded pitchers. Revere started the season's first 22 games. He was benched for six of the last 11, some of which were due to a quad injury.
Revere's .496 OPS was third-worst in baseball among qualified hitters.
"I'm looking for someone to help us," Manuel said.
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