A key piece of the Cincinnati Reds' roster is battling an injury, as second baseman Brandon Phillips is out of Tuesday's lineup with an injured foot.
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Phillips Not In Lineup
Tuesday, May 31
Per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds scratched Phillips from Tuesday's lineup due to a sore left foot.
Rosecrans also noted that Jordan Pacheco is starting in Phillips' place.
At 34 years old, Phillips is no longer the All-Star second baseman from his prime years. He's still a solid hitter, posting a .294 average in 2015. But he hasn't had an on-base percentage higher than .328 since 2011, and his slugging percentage has been under .400 in each of the previous three years.
Phillips' power has returned a little bit through 47 games played this season, as he's slugging .420 with 16 extra-base hits.
Despite the decline in his overall performance, Phillips has managed to mostly avoid major physical ailments. He did miss 41 games in 2014 because of a thumb injury but has not played less than 147 games in any other season since 2008.
The Reds are already thin on talent as they go through a rebuilding phase. They currently have the second-worst record in the National League at 17-34.
Phillips, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce make up the heart of the order. Pacheco has appeared in 30 games for the Reds this season, hitting just .167/.167/.250 in 48 plate appearances.
A diminished Phillips is still a valuable piece of this Cincinnati roster as presently constructed, both for his effort on the field and his leadership capabilities.
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