PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Gabe Kapler finally got a chance to read the scathing comments in Sports Illustrated from an anonymous scout about center fielder Odubel Herrera.

The scout called Herrera a “clown” and “dog.”

Kapler made a point to address the comments at the beginning of his pregame interview session with reporters before Saturday afternoon’s game against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

“That statement about Odubel was first, completely, factually inaccurate,” Kapler said. “Also, I thought it was fairly inappropriate. Odubel plays the game with a lot of energy and he plays the game with a lot of enthusiasm. I personally love having Odubel on our club, and I think our organization loves having Odubel on our club as well. I think we should have a pretty high standard for what we quote and what we share. And I think that quote shouldn't have been shared.”

Herrera said he had not seen the quote, but he said he did not care what anybody said about him.

“Some people are going to say negative stuff,” Herrera said. “I focus on the positive.”

Added Kapler: “It was so far from the truth about Odubel. It's just not who we think he is, and I feel like we have a pretty good view. We've seen Odubel a lot. And he is a hard worker, a hustler and somebody to be celebrated, not hammered down in my opinion. … We can call out those moments where the game has to be elevated and challenge him, and we will. But a generalization of who Odubel is, that just was [garbage], unquestionably.”

Neris’ debut
Kapler has a good idea why Phillies right-hander Héctor Neris struggled in his debut on Thursday. Neris allowed a two-run homer to Matt Joyce to turn a five-run lead into a three-run advantage in the seventh inning.

“Part of this is what he's giving away from time to time,” Kapler said.

It could mean Neris was tipping his pitches. It could mean that Neris is too predictable in his pitch sequencing.

Kapler would not give that part away.

But Joyce hit a 3-2 fastball. Perhaps he could have thrown a splitter there?

“We’ve seen him execute a fastball in that count,” Kapler said. “Rather than second-guessing his pitches, I'll say that we have some discussions to have with Hector based on what the other team knows about Hector. Again, that's why I'm not giving away too much.”

Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz knows Neris well. He was the Phillies’ pitching coach last season.

“We know that Kranny has focused on our pitchers, their tendencies, things they do on the mound that might give you something,” Kapler said. “He’s seen a lot of film, footage on our guys. He knows what they do in specific counts. We have to think a little more deeply. It requires more work on our part.”

Extra bases
-- Right-hander Tommy Hunter is on the injured list with a strained flexor in his right arm. He threw a bullpen session on Friday in Clearwater, Fla.

“It wasn't as good as it could have been, and I don't mean like his execution," Kapler said. "I just think he came out a little bit sore. So we'll probably slow him down just a little bit.”

-- Right-hander Zach Eflin will face Nationals ace Max Scherzer (0-1, 2.35 ERA) at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Nationals Park. Phillies ace Aaron Nola (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will face right-hander Anibal Sanchez on Wednesday afternoon.