Phillies manager Gabe Kapler told reporters prior to Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins that shortstop Jean Segura could return to action tomorrow. Segura, who last played on April 16 when he left a 14-3 win over the Mets early with a left hamstring strain, is hitting .328 with a .384 OBP in 67 ABs this season. Initially, the Phillies were hopeful that Segura would avoid a prolonged absence, but he was eventually placed on the 10-day injured list on April 20, retroactive to April 17.

With Segura sidelined, the Phillies have struggled to produce runs. Prior to his injury, the Phillies offense plated 99 total runs (6.19 runs per game), but have generated only 25 total runs in nine games (2.78 runs per game) since he’s been out. Certainly, injuries to Scott Kingery and Odubel Herrera haven’t helped matters. Aaron Altherr and Roman Quinn (who is now also on the injured list) are a combined 4 for 51 this season (.078 BA). Meanwhile, Phil Gosselin and Sean Rodriguez are a combined 6 for 28 (.214 BA).

When asked about the overall struggles of his offense, Kapler told reporters, myself included (pats back), that he feels the middle of the order is still having similar at-bats to the ones they were having at the beginning of the season but with different results. He noted the bench guys have been “impatient” and “off with their rhythm.”

Kapler will turn to one of those bench guys tonight in Nick Williams, who will make his first start of the season and hit fifth. In 32 career games against the Marlins, Williams is hitting .304 with three homers and 24 RBI. He’ll face Marlins starter Jose Urena, who he has taken deep twice in 13 career ABs, including this opposite field shot last August that you can view after the jump.

The Phillies could desperately use a swing like that tonight…if and when the game gets started.