Tommy Joseph isn’t considered a cornerstone prospect with thunderous power, like Phillies teammate Maikel Franco. He isn’t considered a five-tool athlete like 2016 All-Star outfielder Odubel Herrera. He didn’t seem to solve the Phillies’ leadoff problem, like Cesar Hernandez.
But Joseph, 25, entered the middle of the week with 35 home runs since he debuted last season, just one fewer home run than Franco in the two seasons, while hitting .251, nearly 10 points higher. He strikes out less than Herrera. And, while Hernandez is missing time with an oblique injury, Joseph has managed to stay uninjured – a notable feat for a player forced to move from catcher to first base in 2015 because of repeated concussions.