Corey Dickerson (foot fracture) out for season

Phillies will need to navigate left field over the final two weeks

September 18th, 2019

ATLANTA -- The Phillies will be without 's bat, as the outfielder will miss the rest of the season with a broken left foot. In a corresponding roster move, Philadelphia reinstated from the 60-day IL.

Dickerson fractured it on Sept. 4, but he played with the injury through last Wednesday. Further testing on Monday confirmed the break. The Phillies acquired Dickerson from the Pirates before the July 31 Trade Deadline. A free agent after the season, Phillies fans may have seen the last of him in red pinstripes.

“I like it here, but obviously that’s not up to me,” Dickerson said before Tuesday night’s series opener against the Braves at SunTrust Park. “They know I’ve liked it here and like the guys here. It’s been an unbelievable clubhouse and staff. I try to control what I can control and see where that takes me.”

The Phillies have started 10 different players in left field this season: (47), (31), Dickerson (30), Adam Haseley (14), (13), (five), (three), (two), (two) and (one). It is anybody’s guess who will be there on Opening Day 2020.

McCutchen is recovering from ACL surgery. If he is healthy, his position could be determined by how the Phillies handle center field, including what happens to , who is serving a suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.

Bruce is under contract, but he has not played in left field since Aug. 8 because of an elbow injury. Haseley has flashed potential as a rookie, but it is unclear if the Phillies feel comfortable enough to make him an everyday player. Kingery is more likely to open at second base, third base or center field than left.

Williams was once a top prospect, but he no longer seems to have a place in the organization. He started the season on the bench, and he has been optioned four times to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2019. He rejoined the team on Sept. 2, pinch-hitting that night. Williams has not stepped on the field since.

“I think Nick is still behind a few guys on our roster,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. “The talent is undeniable. There’s also the possibility that Jay Bruce is ready and usable for meaningful games in this season. Brad Miller is a really good left-handed bat option as well. And right now as it stands, those guys are probably ahead of Nick.”

Does he have a future with the Phillies?

“I think he has the talent,” Kapler said. “He’s a gifted athlete from every perspective.”

Williams has hit .157 with a .459 OPS in 108 plate appearances with the Phillies this year. He batted .269 with a .776 OPS in 791 plate appearances the previous two seasons.