Phillies manager Rob Thomson provided several updates ahead of the weekend series against the Texas Rangers, including plans for the outfield lineup and injury news.
Despite earlier suggestions that changes could be made to the outfield alignment, Thomson kept his usual platoon setup for Friday’s opener at Globe Life Field. Max Kepler started in left field and Brandon Marsh played center against Texas right-hander Merrill Kelly. Marsh contributed four hits, including a 109.3 mph home run, helping lead Philadelphia to a 9-1 win.
Thomson indicated that adjustments are likely soon. “I’m going to try to mix it up a little bit the next couple days,” he said. “Because I want to find out: Who’s hot? Who’s not? Then, go from there.”
The Phillies recently acquired Harrison Bader at the Trade Deadline and have used platoons in both left and center field over six games. Bader is set to start in center on Saturday against another right-handed pitcher, Jacob deGrom, but it is unclear who will play left field.
“Kepler had a good day the other day and has swung the bat pretty well lately,” Thomson said. “I really like Bader. Marsh is a guy.”
Bader is expected to see regular time in center field moving forward, with decisions still pending about left field assignments between Marsh, Kepler, Weston Wilson or Otto Kemp.
Thomson also addressed whether prospect Justin Crawford might be called up for more playing time in left field but noted this scenario is unlikely given current roster priorities.
On pitching updates, David Robertson faced one batter for Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday as part of his rehab assignment after pitching 15 pitches Wednesday. “We’ve checked about every box we need to check,” Thomson said. “So if he feels good, we’ll activate him on Sunday.” He added that Robertson would be eased into action rather than immediately taking high-leverage situations: “He was 94 [mph], cutter was good, breaking ball has been good and he’s hitting his spots,” Thomson said. “So we’ll just have to see, but I see sort of easing him in a little bit.”
José Alvarado made his first rehab appearance Thursday for Lehigh Valley after serving an 80-game PED suspension and could rejoin Philadelphia on August 19. Thomson described Alvarado’s performance as strong: “Alvarado was unbelievable — 97, 98 [mph]. He looked great. Cutter was fantastic.”
Aaron Nola is lined up for another rehab outing Tuesday after making progress from a sprained ankle and rib stress fracture. There is potential for Nola to return next Sunday against Washington if all goes well during his next appearance.
Alec Bohm will begin a rehab assignment Sunday following recovery from a left rib fracture and could return by August 18 when the Phillies come back home. “[We] want to make sure that his timing is right and he’s going to produce when he gets back here,” Thomson said.
Zack Wheeler remains scheduled to start Sunday’s finale against Texas after being delayed due to shoulder soreness earlier in the week.
