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Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin Hesitant to Use Defensive Replacements

When the Phillies added some offense to their lineup this offseason, they knew it would come at the cost of their defense.

Michael Saunders, the team’s starting right fielder, had -6 defensive runs saved the past two seasons in right field and already is at -1 for the 2017 season. Meanwhile, Howie Kendrick, the second baseman-turned-outfielder, broke even at zero defensive runs saved last year in left field and has a career 1.2 UZR/150 in left field.

At first base, Tommy Joseph is not much of a defender either as his -6 DRS and -0.