On June 21, despite a three-hit game, Freddy Galvis' batting average stood at a weakly .238.
There was no indication of anything more. Galvis maintained a Major League locker for five-plus years with his glove. His offense rarely offered any sustained contributions.
Then manager Pete Mackanin moved Galvis to the two hole for the June 22 game against the Cardinals. It generated no attention. Mackanin frequently moves hitters up and down the lineup, and relievers into different roles -- a habit that often earns him the wrath of fans and writers.
Freddy Galvis is why Mackanin tinkers.
In 29 games from the second spot, Freddy has hit .277 with six doubles, five homers and a triple -- good for a .471 slugging percentage. More importantly, he's drawn nine walks for a un-Galvis-like .331 on base percentage.
Even more importantly, the Phillies have scored 4.4 runs a game and the record is 13-16. Not great, but far superior to the 3.8 runs a game and 22-48 record of the first 70 games.
When the first pitch is thrown Friday against the visiting Braves, Galvis will be at his usual shortstop position. He plans to play all 162. In the bottom of the first, he'll bat second.
And the Phils are a better team with him there.
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