It’s hard not to root for Scott Kingery.
He’s likable and friendly.
Fans can relate to him because he would be hard to notice in a crowded mall. He's one of us.
Entering spring training, Kingery was arguably the biggest feel-good story for the Philadelphia Phillies.
At such a young stage in Kingery’s career, he’s attempting a comeback. Crazy as it sounds, Kingery is in the final year of a six-year, $24 million deal he signed before he ever played one inning in Major League Baseball.
After appearing in 273 games in 2018 and ’19, Kingery has totaled 52 games over the past three seasons.
Kingery proved to be valuable by playing six different positions in the field.
Along the way, he had shoulder surgery and had a difficult time with COVID during the '20 season.
Kingery was slashing .385/.500/.385 through 13 at-bats in spring training.
He looks healthy. He looks confident. He looks ready to contribute.
But he’s unlikely to open the season on the Phillies’ 26-man roster.
Though Kingery can play infield and outfield, the Phillies have plenty of depth. In addition to playing third base, Edmundo Sosa has been working out in center field. Outfielder Jake Cave has had a terrific camp so far.
Josh Harrison was added to a one-year deal late in the offseason.
Basically, this is a numbers game.
Kingery shouldn’t get discouraged if he starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He’s one or two injuries away from a quick call-up to Citizens Bank Park.
Expect Kingery to get a chance or two this season to prove his mettle again to the Phillies.
Just because he starts at Triple-A doesn’t mean he’ll end up there.
If Kingery does indeed wind up contributing to the Phillies this season, it sure would be a wonderful story of redemption.
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