A surprising opening day lineup from the Phillies.
No Odubel Herrera or Scott Kingery. Aaron Altherr is in center field, Cesar Hernandez is at second base and Maikel Franco plays third.
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Carlos Santana, 1B
3. Nick Williams, RF
4. Rhys Hoskins, LF
5. Aaron Altherr, CF
6. J.P. Crawford, SS
7. Maikel Franco, 3B
8. Andrew Knapp, C
9. Aaron Nola, P
The belief all spring was that Altherr and Williams would be competing for playing time in a corner outfield spot. That will still likely be the case, but it's notable that Altherr is in center field on opening day. Herrera is a good defender in center field but Altherr is arguably even better.
Herrera is 5 for 27 (.185) lifetime against Braves Opening Day starter Julio Teheran. Altherr has struggled as well, going 2 for 16 with nine strikeouts.
Sixth is also a higher spot in the order than many expected Crawford to occupy. It'll be intriguing to see how Gabe Kapler sets his lineup each and every day, since the Phils essentially have 10 starting-caliber players for eight spots.