Harrison Bader’s availability for the rest of the National League Division Series is uncertain after he left Game 1 with groin tightness. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder exited during Saturday night’s 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. He is scheduled to undergo imaging on Sunday, which is an off-day before Game 2.
“I definitely feel like I’ll be able to come back, for sure,” Bader said regarding his chances of returning during the NLDS. “We have an off-day tomorrow, we’ll just get some imaging done and go from there.”
Bader experienced discomfort while running from first to second base in the fifth inning after a single by Bryson Stott. Earlier in the game, he drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and made a diving catch in center field. He continued playing defense through the seventh inning but was replaced by pinch-hitter Nick Castellanos.
“It just felt a little weird. I don’t know, really, what to attribute it to,” Bader explained. “I made a full-speed diving catch in center and obviously felt good all day swinging and everything — took some pretty intense swings up there prior to that. I just think random things happen, unfortunately.”
Since being acquired from Minnesota at the trade deadline, Bader has played 50 games for Philadelphia and has helped stabilize center field with a .305 batting average over that stretch.
If Bader cannot play, Brandon Marsh is expected to take over as starting center fielder. Manager Rob Thomson said: “It’s probably Marsh in center… But I trust Kep out there, too.” Max Kepler filled in at center during the ninth inning on Saturday but has limited experience at that position recently.
Marsh has performed well since returning from injury earlier this season but has struggled against left-handed pitchers, leading him to often platoon in left field following Bader’s arrival.
“First things first, I want nothing but the best for ‘Bade,'” Marsh said about his teammate’s status. “He’s a huge, huge, huge part to this team, and we’re going to need him most definitely. I haven’t heard any word yet, but all I can do is show up and be the best I can be every single day.”
Bader missed time last year due to a right groin strain but indicated this injury feels different.
The Phillies will assess his test results on Sunday before making further decisions about their lineup as they prepare for Game 2 against Dodgers starter Blake Snell.
“This is kind of the point in the season where you just empty the tank,” Bader stated. “ … In terms of my willingness to just go out there and really empty the tank and give every last ounce of what I’ve got for this team and for the baseball I have ahead of me, that’s absolutely something I’m going to do.”
“So if there’s any chance in hell, you better believe I’m going to be in there.”
