Tough start: Adolis Garcia already hearing catcalls Philadelphia Phillies fans

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia meandered his way to position himself to catch Kyle Higashioka’s routine fly ball Sunday. The offseason free-agent acquisition looked up and apparently lost the ball in the sun. He limply fell to the Citizens Bank Park field, allowing the Texas Rangers to increase their lead, en route to an 8-3 victory.  

Despite wearing shades, Garcia failed to get a glove on the looper. He was not charged with an error.   

The Phillies’ fans weren’t as gracious.  

A loud chorus of boos reverberated from the stands.  

Signed to solve the Phillies’ search for quality outfield play, Garcia made some fans feel sentimental over Nick Castellanos’ time in right field.   

Garcia ended up with one hit in 11 at-bats, with five strikeouts, during the season’s opening series loss to his former club.

Adolis Garcia off to rough start with Phillies fans  

As the Phillies’ recent outfield search awarded opportunities to players like Johan Rojas, Harrison Bader, Austin Hays, Max Kepler and, of course, Castellanos, the organization failed to receive constant production.  

Finally absolved from the failed Castellanos experiment, the Phillies signed Garcia to a one-year, $10 million deal.  

“Great team, great town,” Garcia said in December. “I’m just ready to go and contribute.”    

To his new and old teams, Garcia looked nothing like the Rangers’ 2023 World Series hero. Philadelphia fans tend to struggle with bad first impressions.   

With the Washington Nationals (2-1) prepping to start a three-game series against the Phillies (1-2) on Monday night, Garcia will have another opportunity to face Philadelphia's ever-fickle fans.  

They certainly will be watching Garcia.