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The Constantly Injured Roman Quinn Responding Positively with Adaptability

Last week, Roman Quinn threw out three base runners in his first double-A start in right field. Quinn jokingly said to Dusty Wathan, the Reading manager, that the position remains his favorite. Two years ago, Quinn decided to shift to center fielder from shortstop. Currently, he is still in the process of learning the best tactics of playing left and right fields even with the Phillies plan of adding flexibility to his game. Since the rosters might expand come September, Quinn could head to the majors. Even as baseball predictions take note of such changes, by now, the Phillies have two players contesting for the center position.

Wathan expressed that having a player go up there without letting them play on the left or right field is not acceptable. The 23-year-old Quinn succumbed to a strained muscle injury in June just as soon as he had begun to train for the corner outfield positions. He has missed a couple of games in the fourth consecutive season thanks to recurrent injuries and we are still waiting for him to play an entire season in the minor league. Therefore, it is important for him to add some versatility because he could turn out to be a fourth outfielder. According to Quinn, he is comfortable playing in right and left field.

Undoubtedly, Quinn has an exceptional talent when it comes to his speed, which he effectively applies to change the dynamic of the game. Other batters usually capitalize on his presence in the field, especially on the base paths to help them see extra fastballs. However, Quinn’s durability is wanting. He seemed frustrated when he talked about his many injuries, including the strained muscle, torn hip flexor, torn Achilles, and a broken wrist. 

While executing a checked swing on June 4, Quinn strained his oblique, and at the time, he was batting .288. Something popped in the upper section of his rib cage, but he ignored it as minor. He eventually realized he was not okay when started having problems with his runs from first to third. Even though he resumed after 10 days, Quinn’s health had not restored, which made him miss out for nearly two months. While attempting to beat out a bunt last June, Quinn injured his left his, tearing the flexor, and at the time, he was batting .306.

Wathan said Quinn has missed approximately more than one year cumulatively due to injuries. Everyone feels for him because he has struggled to keep himself fit and healthy off the field with the hope that he will not miss out anymore due to injuries. I hope that he will go through this trying phase successfully and come out strong and better because Quinn is still young and somewhat tight. 

Currently, Quinn has already made it to the 40-man roster for the Phillies; therefore, a promotion to the majors in September would not call for any supplementary changes to the roster. Quinn would use this opportunity to display his skills for his team the same way he impressed everyone all through spring training. He would even try out his favorite position in right field and see if his arm wont betray him. Quinn’s definitive goal is reaching the big leagues.

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