The Philadelphia Phillies faced a setback ahead of Game 2 in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers as outfielder Harrison Bader was absent from the starting lineup due to a groin injury. Bader, who joined the team midseason and contributed to strengthening their outfield, left Game 1 after experiencing discomfort.
Manager Rob Thomson indicated that while Bader could be used as a pinch-hitter, his ability to play defense or run at full speed is limited. “He should be able to hit, but he can’t run at 100%,” Thomson said. “So, it limits his defense.”
Despite these limitations, Bader participated as a pinch-hitter during the Phillies’ ninth-inning rally in Game 2. He singled off Alex Vesia before being replaced by Weston Wilson as a pinch-runner. The rally ultimately fell short with Philadelphia losing 4-3.
Thomson described Bader’s injury as “very mild” and clarified that there are no immediate plans to place him on the injured list (IL). Removing him from the NLDS roster would make him ineligible for the National League Championship Series if the Phillies advance. When asked if this would warrant an IL stint during the regular season, Thomson replied, “I’m not sure. It doesn’t sound like it’s that severe.”
Bader reported feeling something unusual in his groin while running bases during Game 1 after making a notable diving catch earlier in the game. Reflecting on his condition and communication with Thomson, Bader told his manager he would do everything possible to play but did not want to risk hurting the team: “I’ll do everything I can to play, but I don’t want to hurt the team.” According to Thomson, “He said, ‘I wouldn’t have even gotten close to that if I was feeling the way I’m feeling now.’ But he’s a guy that certainly wants to play.”
Options for replacing Bader remain limited due in part to other injuries among outfielders. Johan Rojas is currently at Lehigh Valley working through a left quad injury; according to Thomson: “He’s not 100% yet, but he is getting better.”
For Game 2’s lineup adjustment, Brandon Marsh started in center field alongside Otto Kemp in left and Nick Castellanos in right—an alignment last used prior to acquiring Bader from Minnesota earlier this season. Kepler and Wilson were available off the bench; however, only Marsh and Kepler have significant experience playing center field.
Marsh has logged more time and success defensively in left than center field throughout his career but returned to center for this game despite posting -6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at that position this season.
Nick Castellanos played right field after tying for last among all outfielders with -12 Outs Above Average over this past season.
Otto Kemp made just seven big league starts in left field entering Monday’s contest; he converted from third base earlier this year primarily for offensive reasons and has accounted for one DRS since making that transition.
Thomson noted Kemp’s improvement: “His routes were off a little bit when he first came up, and him and [outfield coach Paco Figueroa] did a lot of work… He’s really improved, and he runs a lot better than people think he runs. But I think he’s improved tremendously.”
