Citizens Bank Park | wikipedia
Citizens Bank Park | wikipedia
Philadelphia is witnessing a period of difficulty on the baseball field as Phillies Manager Rob Thomson is encouraging his player, Brandon Marsh, to take some time and mentally reset from the pressures of the game. Currently hitting .108 in 15 games, Marsh has been facing a dry spell, going hitless over his last 26 at-bats.
"He’s thinking about it quite a bit right now," noted Thomson before a game against the Giants. The manager is keen on giving Marsh a break, potentially extending through their upcoming games, to ease the mental strain and help him regain his form.
The starting position, usually held by Marsh, has been given to Johan Rojas, who showed potential in a game against the Rockies on April 2. Rojas is coming off an impressive performance, despite struggles the previous year, and is being relied upon to help the team by getting on base and utilizing his speed.
However, the Phillies continue to face broader challenges. Monday's 10-4 loss was marred by failed opportunities, with crucial moments in the game slipping away. Notably, the Phillies' batting average with runners in scoring position this season has been a concern, ranking them 26th in Major League Baseball.
“I tried to do the best I can,” Rojas said via a team interpreter after striking out multiple times. Thomson, reflecting on the game, admitted hindsight might have prompted different managerial choices, “Yeah, just a little bit overaggressive... I think there’s an argument to pinch-hit in the sixth.”
The broader issue concerning the Phillies revolves around their offensive strategy. “I think they’re trying to do too much, they’re getting pull-side happy," expressed Thomson. "They have to get back to what we were doing early in the year.”
Despite the current struggles, the Phillies retain their manager's confidence. Thomson emphasizes relaxation, citing a sizeable number of players across the league who are also batting below .200, including famous names like Mike Trout and Cody Bellinger.
“They just need to relax,” Thomson advises. As the season progresses, the team and supporters alike remain hopeful for a turnaround.
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