ATLANTA - The Phillies do not expect Odubel Herrera to be a polished product in center field, a position he did not learn until two winters ago. But they had enough faith to keep him in center this season, even with the addition of an acclaimed defender in Peter Bourjos.
It is why they are confused by one repeated flaw in Herrera's game over the season's first six weeks: He has had trouble charging grounders to the outfield.
"It surprises me," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said, "because he used to be a second baseman."
Herrera was not charged with an error Tuesday night when he tentatively charged a hopper to center and fumbled it.