After beginning the season with a 9-19 start, the Phillies have responded with a four-game win streak through Friday’s win against the Miami Marlins.
One of the sparks in the Phillies lineup is outfielder Brandon Marsh, who has been one of the most consistent hitters in the lineup through the team’s 32 games in the season.
He leads the team with a .304 batting average, while still putting up strong offensive numbers with four home runs, 17 RBI, a .330 OBP and a .810 OPS.
His spot in the middle of the lineup provides depth in an order that has been traditionally top-heavy with sluggers in Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In Friday's 6-5 victory over Miami, Marsh headed to the plate in the top of the seventh inning, where he was hit just above his right elbow from a pitch by Miami reliever Cade Gibson.
The pitch just missed his elbow guard, and even though Marsh got up quickly and jogged to first after the hit-by-pitch, manager Don Mattingly and trainer talked with the 28-year-old before ultimately taking him out of the game. Dylan Moore took over for Marsh to end the game.
Losing a player with the athleticism Marsh provides on both defense and the plate could change the positive direction the team has been seeing as of late. Marsh was having another productive night at the plate, collecting a hit and scoring twice.
Fortunately, Marsh’s X-rays returned negative, adding no fear of a potential injured list stint. Marsh remained positive about his status. (h/t Tim Kelly of On Pattison)
Currently, the Phillies' record is 13-19, putting them in fourth place in the National League East, 9.5 games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves.
As the team gains positive momentum, they will need to be cautious of Marsh, as his play can be a major factor in the team’s outlook as they get deeper into the 2026 season.
