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sports1d ago
Rookie Justin Crawford to start in center field for Phillies
Espn.com and 1 more
- Justin Crawford earns Opening Day start in center field for the Phillies, becoming the franchise’s youngest Opening Day outfielder since 1972.
- Spring performance solidified Crawford’s roster spot, with ESPN ranking him as a top prospect and ultimately earning a spot on Opening Day.
- Crawford, 22, will patrol Citizens Bank Park as the Phillies host the Texas Rangers on Opening Day, marking a historic youth milestone for the club.
- Crawford brings speed and contact strength, with baserunning threat and solid-average raw power as a well-rounded young leadoff option.
- Crawford’s spring line drives and multi-hit potential showcased in 55 spring at-bats, signaling high upside despite strikeout issues.
- Crawford’s father, Carl Crawford, a four-time All-Star, anchors notable MLB lineage surrounding the rookie.
- ESPN contributor Kiley McDaniel helped shape the early reporting on Crawford’s Opening Day status.
- Opening Day features the Phillies hosting the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park, with Crawford as a focal breakout rookie.
- Crawford is the 17th overall pick from the 2022 draft and earned an Opening Day roster spot after spring performance.
- Crawford’s Opening Day selection marks a historic moment in Phillies’ outfield lineage dating back to 1972.
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