Phillies notes: Outfield playing time in flux as Bader adjusts, Marsh heats up originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The outfield playing time controversy strikes again.
Despite scoring 29 runs over the past three games and going 15-for-32 with runners in scoring position, there’s a sense of tension lingering in the Phillies’ clubhouse.
Nick Castellanos has the day off. After starting 236 straight games before his streak was broken in mid-June following a disagreement with Rob Thomson, a knee issue has made him more mindful of his workload.
“He’s had a little bit of a knee problem since Yankee Stadium, so just mindful of that. Although it’s not really bothering him right now … I just want to keep him healthy,” the Phillies’ manager said.
In the clubhouse this morning, Castellanos told reporters that newly acquired Harrison Bader has been a bit frustrated with his playing time.
Bader, who posted a .778 OPS with Minnesota before being dealt at the July 31 trade deadline, has hit just .171 in 41 at-bats with Philadelphia. A consistent run could help the 31-year-old find his stroke.
“I don’t know,” Thomson said when asked if Bader could get everyday playing time. “I have to keep the other guys going, too. I think it’s probably going to be more of a rotation than anything else.”
“I think it’s a normal reaction to a new team, just trying to do too much,” Thomson said of Bader’s struggles. Bader bats seventh today.
Brandon Marsh, meanwhile, has forced his way into regular action, especially against right-handed pitching. Over his past 22 games, Marsh is slashing .367/.391/.683 with a 1.074 OPS. Of his 22 hits during that stretch, 11 have gone for extra bases. The lefty is hitting sixth in the series finale.
As for Max Kepler, the skipper has seen encouraging signs.
“I think Kepler’s swinging the bat pretty good,” Thomson said.
Kepler’s overall OPS sits at .663, but the underlying metrics suggest better results could be ahead. His squared-up percentage ranks in the 80th percentile, while his average exit velocity, strikeout rate and walk rate all remain above league average. He gets the start in right field today, batting eighth.
J.T. stays behind the dish
Who’s hotter than the Phillies’ backstop right now?
J.T. Realmuto slugged a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning Tuesday, the difference in a 6-4 win over the Mariners.
Over his last 30 games, Realmuto is batting .342 (40-for-117) with four homers and 15 RBIs.
Some might have expected Realmuto to sit today, but with an off day Thursday, the catcher remains in the lineup, hitting cleanup.
“I’m trying to line it up for New York, too. So we’ll probably give him Sunday off,” Thomson said.
Today’s pitching matchup
The Phillies hand the ball to Jesús Luzardo (11-6, 4.21 ERA). The 27-year-old lefty has had an up-and-down season but has entered in good form this month. Only Donovan Solano has had notable success against him, batting .538 with a 1.109 OPS in 13 career at-bats.
Seattle counters with veteran right-hander Luis Castillo (8-6, 3.48 ERA). In his last outing, he was roughed up by the Mets, giving up nine hits and six earned runs in four innings. Kyle Schwarber has Castillo’s number — in 20 career at-bats, he has four home runs and a 1.417 OPS.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
