Mickey Moniak is breaking camp with the Phillies. It’s possible that he could be the starting center fielder on Opening Day with the righty Frankie Montas scheduled to pitch for Oakland.
That will depend on how his hand is feeling. He was hit-by-a-pitch during his last spring at-bat against the Rays on Wednesday. The Phillies, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, say that X-Rays were negative on Moniak’s right hand and that he has a bruise.
Moniak’s performance at the plate this spring can be attributed to a refreshed mental approach and a subtle change suggested by new Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long.