Reds’ Brandon Phillips ‘out a while’ with possible tear in left thumb
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips will be “out a while” after suffering a potentially serious thumb injury, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. He says Phillips may have a tear in his left thumb, which would likely sideline the three-time All-Star for months.
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Phillips left the Reds’ win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in the eighth inning after making a diving stop on a grounder from Anthony Rizzo. He threw the ball wide while trying to complete the play at first base and remained on the ground for several minutes afterwards before being helped off the field.
The Reds moved Ramon Santiago over from third base to replace him, with Todd Frazier taking over at the hot corner. It’s unclear if Cincinnati will continue to use that arrangement for the time being, but that decision could be impacted by the ultimate timetable for Phillips’ return.
Phillips has had a solid season at the plate for the Reds, batting .272/.308/.392 with seven home runs and 40 RBI. He’s no longer a legitimate threat on the basepaths and hasn’t been an above-average hitter since 2011, but his combination of good defense and slightly below-average offense still makes him a valuable player at second base.
Durability has also been a big part of Phillips’ game, and this could be his longest absence in years. Since 2006, Phillips has appeared in at least 141 games every season. He’s also had at least 17 homers every year, won four Gold Gloves and earned All-Star honors three times. This season, he likely won’t be accomplishing any of those things.