MLB

Ben Revere among the only Phillies hitting right now

Glen Macnow: Is Ben Revere the dumbest Phillie of all time?
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When the weather heats up, so does Ben Revere. Throughout most of April, Revere was under the Mendoza line, along with a number of his Phillies teammates. However, Revere’s average, which is at .269, has climbed steadily in May.

“I don’t know why it’s always like this but I tend to have issues in April,” Revere said. “I expected to get it going in May.”

The most impressive numbers for Revere, who has 50 hits for the season, is his number of extra base hits. He has seven doubles and four triples, which is more than half of the amount he had for each category in 2014.

It’s no accident. Revere bulked up a bit in order to add some pop. During spring training, Revere called it. The Louisville native said he hoped to drive the ball into the gap more this season.

“That’s how I figured I could most help out,” Revere said. “I’m trying to hit the gap in right center and it’s worked a few times. I think I’ve surprised some people.”

That’s particularly so with his defense in left. Revere has made a number of spectacular catches and solid throws to nail runners.

“I see the ball well off the bat in left,” Revere said. “I feel very comfortable out there. As far as throwing goes, I’ve changed my grip and it’s going well. I have a couple of assists, which is nice. I’ll play wherever they want me to play.”

If the rumor mill is correct, the Phillies might have Revere playing in a different uniform. There are some teams that could use a player like Revere, who hit over .300 in 2013 and 2014 with the Phillies.

“Ben Revere could be a lot more valuable on a team that has some power bats,” a NL scout said. “He could be a nice complementary player.”

The Angels, who have a void in left field and some big hitters, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, is a rumored destination for the diminutive, good-natured speedster. The Phillies also have Domonic Brown and Cody Asche as possible outfield callups.

But if Revere had a choice, he would rather play in Philadelphia.

“I really love playing for the Phillies,” Revere said. “The fans are great and the city is amazing. There’s so much history and things to do. And I believe some of the pieces are in place for the next run for this team. I want to be a part of that.”