Inside The Phillies

Phillies Season in Review: Matt Vierling

Inside the Phillies continues their season in review series with Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Matt Vierling.
Kade Kistner|
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies didn't rely much on their youth this season, but one player who did get an extended look in 2021 was Notre Dame product Matt Vierling. 

Due to injuries in the outfield late in the season and cold streaks by Odúbel Herrera, Vierling was asked to step in at various points late in the season. He even saw some playing time at first base after Rhys Hoskins went down with injury and Brad Miller's bat went silent.

Vierling was called up in June for a cup of coffee, but it wasn't until his call up in August that the team was able to get a good look at the outfielder. He saw action in 34 games this season in which he had 77 plate appearances. Vierling slashed .324/.364/.479 with two home runs. 

While a small sample size, Vierling proved that he could be a valuable piece for the big league roster, especially with additional development. 

There is also the uncertainty surrounding Herrera's fate with the team considering the $11.5 million he is owed next season that comes with a $2.5 million buyout. 

None of that is to say that Vierling will be the 2022 Opening Day starting center fielder. There is still the possibility that the team addresses the situation in free agency or trade. Even the prospect of bringing back Herrera isn't far-fetched considering manager Joe Girardi's apparent affinity for him.

What it does mean is that the 25-year-old may get the opportunity to perform with the big league club as a platoon player. Despite the promising 77 plate appearances, Vierling still has to prove that he can be a reliable asset to the Phillies.

He was never projected as an everyday player, but he could be the type to prove those projections wrong. 

2022 could be a pivotal season for Vierling in terms of how the club views his future within the franchise.  

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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