Joe Rondone/Arizona Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK

Phillies Center Fielder Can't Catch a Break With Latest Misfortune

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Brandon Marsh's 2025 has gone from dream scenario to an unending nightmare in less than three weeks.

After being handed the everyday job in center field by Phillies manager Rob Thomson, Marsh has fallen into despair at the plate. He's currently hitting a pitiful .095 thanks to an 0-for-31 streak, and if that wasn't bad enough, there's now another reason for him to be taken out of the lineup.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic , Marsh is sitting out today's game against the San Francisco Giants due to a right knee injury he suffered Wednesday night. Johan Rojas will start in his place and play center.

Brandon Marsh is not in today’s lineup after tweaking his right knee on that ball that took a weird hop in CF. He is seeing the doctor. Nothing beyond that yet.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) April 17, 2025

Marsh was not a starter in yesterday's game but came in as a pinch hitter during the bottom of the 6th. He got out in both his at-bats.

The team should know soon whether or not this is a long-term issue. Either way, it's the latest event in a whirlwind week for Marsh, who had already been benched and then unbenched in a 24 hour span.

The Phillies don't have many options to replace Marsh if he does end up on the injured list. Weston Wilson could end his rehab assignment early, but he doesn't play center field, meaning that Rojas and Edmundo Sosa - who has only been out there once thi season - would have to manage it themselves.

Cal Stevenson, who is currently down with Philly's Triple-A team, could be recalled as a temporary fix. He is a left-handed hitter as well, so that would probably involve a platoon with Rojas.

There's also Phillies No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford, who just got promoted to Triple-A this season, but it's likely in the club's long-term interest that they don't rush him up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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