Brown was recently named NL player of the week.
The Phillies certainly have had their struggles on offense this season. Injuries have also played a role as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz have all spent time on the sidelines. Despite the early struggles for an offense that is averaging less than 3.5 runs per game, the Phillies have discovered the improved bat of 25 year old outfielder Domonic Brown.
Brown is currently hitting .257 with 11 homers and 30 RBI's (both leading the club). His bat has come alive of late, hitting .348 with two doubles, a triple, two homers, and seven RBI's in his last 6 games. This feat earned him NL player of the week and raised many eyebrows, making many believe his potential is finally showing.
Why is Brown's potential starting to show all of a sudden? He has been given the chance to earn his spot in the majors during parts of the last three seasons. So why now? Manager Charlie Manuel has finally given him the chance to just go out there and play. The past three seasons consisted of Brown not knowing when he entered the ballpark if he was going to play or not, which most likely had an effect on the mindset of the young prospect. However, 2013 has been a different story as Brown has played in all but one game this season, and clearly it has led to some production that many thought he could reach at this point in his career.
At this point, Brown is carrying this offense and could possibly be moved up
In the lineup. Charlie Manuel recently stated that he will "tell me through his play when he is ready to make that move". Dom also commented, stating that "guys like Utley and Howard earned their way into the middle of the lineup early in their careers. For me I'm just trying to do the same".
If he continues his high quality play, he could see that aforementioned move in the near future, and he may also start to be considered the best bat in the Phillies lineup at this point.
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