A new Washington batter was introduced Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park and the three Phillies outfielders instantly reached into the back pocket of their uniform pants.
All season, Phillies outfielders have played with sheets in their pocket that tell them where to stand for each opposing batter. Rhys Hoskins opened his sheet, moved a few steps toward center field, and tucked it away. Roman Quinn glanced at his sheet and walked to his right. Jose Bautista, in the outfield for the first time with the Phillies, paused and counted off his steps.
Each step a player takes originates from data collected by a computer model designed by the Phillies.