When Brandon Marsh took to the warning track in Cincinnati on August 16, it looked like his season might be over. The new Phillies center fielder injured his left leg trying to steal a home run, but despite the ugliness of the scene, he suffered no structural damage.
Marsh went on the injured list two days later with a bone bruise in his left knee and soreness in his left ankle. Somewhat miraculously, he healed quickly enough to return to the Phillies’ lineup Saturday afternoon, missing only the minimum 10 days.
Marsh returned to center field for the Phils, batting ninth. His temporary replacement, Bradley Zimmer, was designated for assignment.
Initially, Marsh said he feared the worst. There were some dark thoughts in the moments after the injury.
“He’s recovered much better than I ever thought he would,” he said earlier this week.
The Phillies acquired Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline in exchange for catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who just made Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list. O’Hoppe is off to a strong start in Double-A in the Angels’ system, hitting .286/.438/.674 with six homers and 17 RBIs in 14 games.
Acquired primarily for his defense, Marsh has hit .250/.294/.313 in 34 plate appearances with the Phillies.
Here was the Phillies’ lineup Saturday against Pirates right-hander Tyler Beede:
1. Kyle Schwarber, LF
2. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
3. Alec Bohm, 3B
4. Bryce Harper, DH
5. JT Realmuto, C
6. Nick Castellanos, RF
7. Bryson Stott, SS
8. Jean Segura, 2B
9. Brandon Marsh, CF
Kyle Gibson, SP
Subscribe to Phillies Talk: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Toe | Art 19 | Watch on YouTube
