Phillies make Brandon Marsh decision

Marsh, who has developed into a fan favorite for his scintillating speed, long hair and beard, is eligible to return from the IL on Sunday. His health is the most important factor to monitor, but time in Lehigh Valley will also provide him with an opportunity to rediscover his swing.

The 27-year-old has never been known for his offense, but he has been anemic in 2025. Marsh is batting just .095 with a .387 OPS and an 11 OPS+, with one extra-base hit (a home run), zero stolen bases and a 16-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Marsh should have every opportunity to play against righties once he returns, but Johan Rojas is knocking on the door in center. Rojas, another terrific defender, has looked phenomenal at the plate. Through 43 at-bats, the third-year outfielder has a .302 batting average, a .697 OPS and a 197 OPS+.

He does not have much pop, and that average is helped in part because of a small sample size, but he is still making it difficult for manager Rob Thomson to leave him on the bench.

The left-handed-hitting Marsh and right-handed-hitting Rojas should continue their platoon, but if Marsh does not up his numbers, Rojas could assume full-time responsibilities in center.