The Philadelphia Phillies are considering several options for their outfield lineup as they prepare for an upcoming series in Arlington. The team has recently used strict platoons in both left and center field following the acquisition of Harrison Bader. Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have started against right-handed pitchers, while Weston Wilson and Bader have played against left-handers.
Manager Rob Thomson previously stated that this approach would continue through a six-game homestand that ended on Wednesday.
There are four main options under consideration for the outfield moving forward:
Option one is to maintain both platoons, with Kepler and Marsh facing right-handed pitchers and Wilson and Bader playing against lefties. This strategy benefits players like Wilson, who had strong numbers against left-handed pitching last season, and Marsh, who has historically performed better against right-handers. However, it places Bader in a platoon role despite his even career splits and gives most starts in left field to Kepler, who is currently hitting .204/.295/.366 overall.
Option two involves removing both platoons by using Bader regularly in center field and Marsh in left. Team president Dave Dombrowski said at the trade deadline: “He’s going to play a lot.” This indicates that Bader was not acquired just to face left-handed pitchers. Marsh has also been productive since returning from injury on May 3, batting .302/.361/.454 over 74 games. However, most of his success has come against right-handers; he is hitting .216 with one extra-base hit in 41 plate appearances versus southpaws during this period.
A third option is to keep a platoon only in left field, allowing Bader to play every day in center while Marsh shares time in left with either Wilson or Otto Kemp. Kemp could return to the outfield once Alec Bohm comes back from injury if the team wants him to remain in the lineup.
The fourth possibility is promoting Justin Crawford, the club’s No. 3 prospect. Crawford would likely play nearly every day if called up, leaving Marsh and Bader to share duties at another spot. Crawford offers strong minor league performance and notable speed but lacks major league experience.
Each scenario presents its own set of challenges regarding player roles and effectiveness at the plate as the Phillies look for stability ahead of their next games.
