Right fielder Nick Williams took issue with Kapler’s commitment to analytics after not playing against Marlins left-hander Caleb Smith, and for starting just two of the team’s first six games this season.
“I guess the computers are making (the decision), I don’t know,” the left-handed-hitting Williams told reporters after a 5-0 Phils victory, per Philly.com. “I don’t get any of it but what can I do? I’m not going to complain about it because I have zero power. I’m just letting it ride.”
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That non-complaint complaint was a dig at Kapler’s almost robotic tendency to play matchups, although Smith was the first left-handed starter to face the Phillies this season.
Williams was proficient vs. lefties as a rookie last season: He produced a .274/.333/.405 slash line and two home runs in 93 plate appearances. The .738 OPS was 100 points lower than his OPS against right-handers, however, which Kapler has no doubt noticed.
“I’m 24. I don’t have crazy experience but at the same time I don’t need to prove anything because of what I did last year off of great pitchers,” Williams said, per Philly.com.
Kapler also wants to find playing time for four outfielders — Williams, Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr — and rookie utility player Scott Kingery.
That juggling act left Herrera miffed at not starting on Opening Day against Braves right-hander Julio Teheran, and Williams was miffed at having to face Mets flamethrower Noah Syndergaard on Wednesday after not being in the lineup since Opening Day.
“Coming in and facing a guy throwing 100 right away? That’s kind of set up for failure,” he said, per Philly.com. Williams struck out and grounded out in his two at-bats vs. Syndergaard.
Williams told reporters he has “no say” because he’s “not a veteran,” but he is clearly not too happy, a condition that appears to be widespread in Philly at present.
