PHILADELPHIA — Just one day after being held out of the starting lineup, struggling outfielder will be back on the field as the Philadelphia Phillies face the San Francisco Giants in Game 2 of their four-game home series at Citizens Bank Park.
The, a left-handed hitter, has had a tough go at the plate this season, especially in April where he’s yet to record a hit. He is currently stuck in a frustrating 0-for-26 slump and has been visibly affected by the lack of production. Phillies manager Rob Thomson opted to sit him for Monday night’s series opener, which ended in a 10-4 loss for Philadelphia.
Although he didn’t start that game, he did make a brief appearance in the ninth inning as a defensive substitution. Prior to that, he spent extra time working on his swing in a focused hitting session earlier in the day. Now with his mindset appearing more refreshed, Marsh has been slotted back into the starting lineup on Tuesday, set to play center field and hit in the No. 9 spot.
“He had a great workday yesterday,” Brandon Marsh said. “I talked to hitting coach Kevin Long and checked in with Brandon himself, and he felt confident. He was pretty clear that he’s in a much better mental and physical space.”
Though Thomson had previously hinted that Marsh might sit for multiple games—possibly two or three—he’s already giving the outfielder another shot after just one night off. That being said, with Giants’ left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray scheduled to start on Wednesday, it’s unlikely Marsh will be in the lineup for that matchup.
Thomson clarified that Marsh’s quick return wasn’t influenced by Johan Rojas’ performance Monday night. Rojas, who filled in for Marsh, went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. Still, it’s apparent the Phillies need more reliable production from the bottom of the batting order, regardless of who is occupying that spot.
The coaching staff is hoping that a brief mental break and some adjustments at the plate might help Marsh reset and find better results moving forward.
“Sometimes you just need a breather from the pressure of the game,” Thomson explained. “Spend a day working on mechanics, hitting drills, clearing your head—it can do wonders for a player’s rhythm.”
Marsh worked early on Monday, taking extra swings during batting practice and focusing on finding the natural flow in his approach. He admitted he’d been too stiff at the plate lately, saying he felt more like a statue than an athlete.
“I’ve just been too tight,” Marsh said. “I haven’t been loose or in sync. I’ve been standing too still, just feeling stiff like the Tin Man.”
Marsh emphasized that his hitting success comes when he’s able to stay loose and rely on his instincts and natural movement.
“I’m a guy who thrives on rhythm,” he said. “I need to feel like I’m moving, like I’m dancing in the box. Yesterday felt like I was getting back to that.”
Still, one good practice session doesn’t guarantee a full turnaround. The 27-year-old has played in 15 games so far this season and holds a batting average of just .108 with 14 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances. If he wants to secure his place in the starting lineup, Marsh will need to show he can make meaningful in-game adjustments and contribute consistently.
Regardless, Marsh feels more prepared and motivated to snap out of the slump and contribute.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m ready to get back out there and help the team.”
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