Phillies OF Shines in Injury Rehab Debut

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh had a productive first game on his injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday against Jacksonville.

Marsh, who has been out for nearly two weeks with a bruised left knee, batted leadoff and was the designated hitter for the Iron Pigs in a 2-1 victory.

Marsh went 2-for-3 with two RBI, two walks and a strikeout.

In fact, Marsh led off the game with a single and then stole second base. He advanced to third on a wild pitch but was out at third on a fielder’s choice.

In the second, Marsh hit a ground-rule double to drive in the only two runs of the game for the Iron Pigs. Marsh walked on each of his next two at-bats and struck out in his final at-bat.

Marsh has made significant progress since he suffered a bruised left knee after crashing into a wall while chasing down a fly ball on Aug. 5. X-rays and MRI showed no long-term damage.

While the Phillies were in Toronto earlier this week, Marsh ran the bases for the first time on Tuesday on Wednesday he participated in non-game activities. That led the Phillies to clear him to start the rehab assignment.

There is no timetable for Marsh’s return, though at the time of the injury Thomson hoped the injury would only keep him out for “two to three weeks.” He’s into the second week of his recovery time.

Before the injury Marsh was in the midst of his most productive offense season, as he slashed .281/.367/.460/.827 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 101 games. He’s three home runs and nine RBI away from tying his career high.

Marsh broke in with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and was dealt to the Phillies at last year’s trade deadline for catching prospect Logan O’Hoppe. Marsh helped the Phillies reach the World Series.