Vierling is expected to start the season as the Phillies' everyday center fielder after Mickey Moniak was diagnosed Thursday with a hairline fracture in his wrist, an injury that will likely sideline him for six weeks, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Philadelphia preferred to open the season with the right-handed Vierling in a short-side platoon role in center field, but injuries to the lefty-hitting Odubel Herrera (oblique) and now the lefty-hitting Moniak have foiled those plans. Like Moniak, Herrera is trending toward a multi-week absence, so Vierling could a long leash in a near-everyday role if the Phillies don't look outside the organization for further reinforcements in the outfield. The Phillies intend to call up Simon Muzziotti from the minors to add depth in center field in the short term, but with only 50 career plate appearances above the Double-A level to his name, he's unlikely to be asked to handle the large side of a platoon.