Phillies’ NLDS Game 2 Plans After Bader Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 6:52 PM ET

Highlights:

MRI shows no major tear or strain; day-to-day with groin tightness
Feeling better after treatment; status for Game 2 to be re-evaluated tomorrow
If he sits: Brandon Marsh in center; Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos on the corners

After losing Game 1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies may have caught a break.

Harrison Bader’s imaging showed no major tear or strain, according to reports. The club clarified the issue as groin tightness, not a hamstring problem. He’s day to day and feeling better after treatment. They’ll check him again before Game 2 and decide from there.

Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Harrison Bader is hit by a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Why It Matters

Since arriving from the Minnesota Twins at the deadline, Bader has given the Phillies exactly what they need. He's tremendous defensively, running clean routes in center and competitive at-bats that keep innings alive. In 50 games with Philadelphia, he hit .305/.361/.463 and helped settle the outfield defense.

In a series where one extra 90 feet flips an inning, that matters as much as any big swing.

If He Sits For Game 2

The simple fix is Brandon Marsh in center with Max Kepler in left and Nick Castellanos in right. Weston Wilson offers right-handed coverage off the bench. The trade-off shows up on the margins. Bader has much better first-step reads, cutoff precision, and the confidence to play shallower with two outs.

It tightens the window for mistakes.

If He Plays Through It

This becomes a usage puzzle.

The Phillies can lean on positioning, cap high-risk sprints, and plan for a late defensive replacement if needed. At the plate, nothing dramatic changes as long as he focuses on quality swings, smart turns, and no trying to be a hero on a balky groin. If he starts, expect quick between-inning checks. If he’s a late sub, it probably skews toward run prevention.

Roster Math You Should Know

If the Phillies placed Bader on the injured list during the NLDS, he’d be ineligible for the NLCS. That’s the nuclear option. As long as he’s truly day to day, they’ll keep him active and try to buy a day—or an inning—until he’s ready.