PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- After being shut out from baseball for nearly two years over a domestic violence incident, Odubel Herrera was back in the Phillies' lineup on Tuesday.
In May of 2019, the Phillies outfielder was accused of domestic abuse and Major League Baseball put him on administrative leave. Some wondered if Herrera would ever play for the Phillies or any other major league team ever again.
Fast-forward to March 2, 2021, and Herrera was in the Phillies lineup for a Grapefruit League game. Herrera went 1-for-3 in the Phillies' 4-2 loss to Toronto.
And yet Herrera knows his world may never be the same.
After the game, he again apologized for his actions and said he understands he has a long road ahead toward rebuilding his image and the trust of his teammates and fans.
"I feel sorry because I made a big mistake," said Herrera. "I know some people are not going to forgive me, and I understand that."
Phillies fans as well as fans around Major League Baseball world may not be so forgiving.
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Fans will be allowed back in many ballparks at the start of the 2021 season, and Herrera will likely be bombarded by a host of negative comments. Manager Joe Girardi says Herrera has to be prepared for the wrath of many fans and must also understand why the negativity will exist.
"You have to have thick skin," Girardi said. "You have to understand that there’s a reason that you’re getting boos. He’s taking responsibilities for his actions. He’s just got to learn to ignore it."
That may be easier said than done for Herrera when the season gets underway. Even if there are a limited number of fans, some of their reactions may be intense, directed at someone accused of domestic violence.
"There’s a lot of insults hurled at players during the course of a season whether you have an incident or not," said Girardi. "You have to learn to ignore them and just not get caught up in some of the negativity that's thrown at the players. There's some nasty stuff that's said."
Herrera is bracing for those nasty comments. He says he understood returning to the game meant dealing with such obstacles. Herrera says he also understands not every teammate and every fan will forgive him.
He says he is just asking for that second chance.
"I feel more mature," Herrera said. "I have changed a lot of my personality, and I’m a better person all around."
CORRECTION: The Phillies lost their game against Toronto on Tuesday.