Phillies’ World Series Odds Slip After McCutchen Injury
- The Philadelphia Phillies lost OF Andrew McCutchen for the season with a torn ACL
- Fellow outfielder Odubel Herrera is on administrative leave, facing assault charges
- The Phillies’ average World Series odds have fallen from +950 to +1100
What was looking to be a season of redemption for the Philadelphia Phillies is suddenly swirling in ailments and turmoil. Are they doomed?
The sportsbooks aren’t ready to go that far. But there’s been a clear downturn in the notion of the Phillies as serious 2019 World Series contenders.
Across a cross-section of leading sportsbooks, Philadelphia’s 2019 World Series odds have gone from +950 to +1100. Sportsbooks have the Phils at +1200 to win it all.
2019 World Series Odds
| Team | 2019 World Series Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston Astros | +400 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +400 |
| New York Yankees | +500 |
| Minnesota Twins | +650 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1200 |
| Boston Red Sox | +1400 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | +1400 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +1400 |
| Chicago Cubs | +1600 |
| Atlanta Braves | +2200 |
*Odds taken on 06/05/19. Follow the link in the table above for a complete list of all teams.
Philadelphia is 1-5 in the last six games. The Phillies have seen their lead in the NL East shrink to just half a game over the surging Atlanta Braves.
Phillies Running Out of Outfielders
When Philadelphia made its big offseason splash to add free agents Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen, two former National League MVPs, it looked as though the Phils would have an outfield that was the envy of baseball.
And for a couple of months, it sure was.
Then Harper swooned, and McCutchen, well …
JUST IN: #Phillies OF Andrew McCutchen OUT FOR SEASON with torn ACL.
The 32-year-old is hitting .256 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs over 59 games this season, his first in Philadelphia (via The Athletic's @MattGelb).
MORE: https://t.co/6nHPGdctzV pic.twitter.com/orA2g2z8WP
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) June 4, 2019
The 2013 NL MVP injured his knee when he was caught in a rundown against the San Diego Padres on Monday. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that he tore his ACL and is done for the season.
The Phillies are already without outfielder Odubel Herrera and his case could also prove to be season-ending.
On May 28, police in Atlantic City, NJ responded to a domestic violence call. Herrera was arrested and charged with simple assault. He’s accused of injuring his girlfriend in an Atlantic City hotel room.
The #Phillies statement on Odubel Herrera’s arrest: pic.twitter.com/JFlJFmUce9
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) May 28, 2019
Major League Baseball placed Herrera on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Given the circumstances, you’d have to wager that he’ll ultimately be facing a lengthy suspension.
Bruce Almighty?
Philadelphia moved quickly to acquire outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners. If the early returns are an indication of what lies ahead, the Phillies might be just fine, thank you.
? BIG TIME BRUCE ?
What a debut for Jay Bruce! He slams another homer out of here, his third home run in as many days with the Phillies. pic.twitter.com/Fb6Lqou6ai
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 5, 2019
Bruce went 6-for-9 to launch his Philly career and slugged three home runs in his first three games. He’s averaged 31 homers per season over his 12-year big-league career.
Is Kimbrel Part of the Solution?
Philadelphia’s bullpen is also in disarray due to injuries to David Robertson, Tommy Hunter, Pat Neshek, and Adam Morgan. This would certainly seem to make the team a player in the “sweepstakes” for free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel.
Imagine this happening at Citizens Bank Park with Craig Kimbrel as a member of the @Phillies. ⚾️
Make it happen Klentak! #Phillies #CraigKimbrel #RingTheBell #MLB pic.twitter.com/uRPaZMbOdA
— A2D Radio (@a2dradio_com) June 3, 2019
The Braves already announced they are out on Kimbrel, but the Chicago Cubs, another team sidled with a sub-par bullpen, are in on him in a big way, as are the Minnesota Twins.
Might Philly pip them at the post? Certainly, the Phillies have the money and the room to stay under the luxury tax in order to pay Kimbrel handsomely.
Now’s the Time to Take Action
The Phillies have the finances and the desire to make big things happen. Don’t count them out. Expect GM Matt Klentak to be a very busy man leading up to the July 31 MLB trade deadline.
Nice to be back in the win column. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/erRxPxBwSo
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 5, 2019
It’s way too early to be giving up on the Phillies. In fact, with them listed at +1200 in sportsbooks, there might not be a better time to put a unit down on Philly to win the Fall Classic.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
