PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mystery still surrounds the Phillies' announcement Wednesday afternoon, before losing 5-1 to the New York Mets in Flushing, that 25-year-old center fielder Adam Haseley had left the team for personal reasons. The club placed him on the restricted list.
Asked if everything was all right with Haseley's health and family, Manager Joe Girardi said, "I’m not going to get into it. Like I said, it’s personal reasons. And we have no timetable and we’re all thinking about Adam."
Girardi said he found out Haseley was stepping away for an undetermined amount of time on Wednesday, so any transaction related to Haseley was not planned. As a corresponding move, the Phillies called up 2016 first overall pick Mickey Moniak from Lehigh Valley. Haseley was the organization’s first-round pick in 2017 — eighth overall in MLB’s Amateur Draft.
Girardi said he spoke to Haseley by phone on Wednesday.
"We had a nice talk today, and I think we all agreed this was probably the best, and we’ll move forward."
This season, Haseley was hitting .190 (4-21) with a .190 on base percentage in a platoon role with Roman Quinn.
"I’m obviously concerned for him," Moniak said prior to Wednesday’s game. "Had no clue what the circumstances were. Still don’t. Haven’t gotten a chance to reach out to him quite yet, but I definitely will. Gonna obviously check on him. Adam’s one of my closest friends in this organization.”
Girardi said they chose Moniak over other center field options, such as Scott Kingery and Odúbel Herrera — both of whom have more Major League experience — because Moniak’s at bats have been the best. They liked how Moniak performed in spring training. Girardi indicated Moniak will get playing time.
The 22-year-old former first overall pick had a very brief taste of the majors last season.