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Phillies Make Brandon Marsh Announcement Before Cubs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 6:50 PM ET

If the Philadelphia Phillies believe outfielder Brandon Marsh can break out of a season-long hitting slump, they certainly don't think it will happen on Monday night.

The Phillies, unsurprisingly, did not start Marsh against Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. Instead, utilityman Weston Wilson is starting in left, with Johan Rojas continuing to man center field.

The move isn't especially surprising, given that Marsh typically gets most of his plate appearances against right-handers. Marsh entered Monday with only four hits, one being a home run, in 22 at-bats against lefties.

However, Rob Thomson's decision to keep Marsh on the bench is nonetheless noteworthy. Managers often resort to unconventional lineup moves to get a player going, though it's clear that starting Marsh in a lefty-on-lefty matchup wasn't one the Phillies wanted to test.

The same applies to snapping losing streaks, such as the Phillies' current seven-game skid. Thomson may have more faith in Wilson, who is 5-for-33 in 18 games, to help the Phillies get back on track.

Marsh entered Monday hitting .216 with two homers, 12 RBI, and a disappointing .638 OPS in 131 plate appearances. It's unclear what his future holds, though Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb suggested the team consider demoting Marsh to Triple-A and allow him to "reset."

As of publication, Marsh remained on the Phillies' 26-man roster.

Philadelphia has lost 10 of its last 13 games and sits 4 1/2 games back of the New York Mets in the NL East.

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

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