Tue Oct 07 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Phillies Outfielder Bader Hampered by Groin Injury in NLDS; Limited Options Force Lineup Shuffle**

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies’ outfield, revitalized by the midseason acquisition of Harrison Bader, faces a challenge in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bader, instrumental in transforming the outfield from a weakness to a strength, was absent from the starting lineup for Game 2 on Monday due to a groin injury sustained in Game 1.

Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Bader could be available as a pinch-hitter, but his ability to play the outfield or run at full speed is severely limited. “He should be able to hit, but he can’t run at 100%,” Thomson stated, adding that the injury restricts his defensive capabilities.

Despite the setback, Thomson described the injury as “very mild” and ruled out placing Bader on the injured list (IL) at this time. A move to the IL would render Bader ineligible for the NL Championship Series if the Phillies advance. Thomson was uncertain if Bader’s injury would result in an IL stint during the regular season, given the injury’s lack of severity.

Bader initially felt discomfort in the fifth inning of Game 1 after running from first to second base, following a highlight-reel diving catch. Recognizing the potential impact on his performance, Bader informed Thomson of the issue. “‘I wouldn’t have even gotten close to that if I was feeling the way I’m feeling now,'” Thomson quoted Bader as saying. “‘I’ll do everything I can to play, but I don’t want to hurt the team.'”

The Phillies are hesitant to place Bader on the IL, considering his potential as a pinch-hitter and the team’s limited outfield depth. Johan Rojas, the only outfielder at the team’s “stay ready” camp, is recovering from a quad injury.

Consequently, Brandon Marsh started in center field for Game 2, flanked by Otto Kemp in left and Nick Castellanos in right. This marked the first time the Phillies have utilized this specific outfield alignment since July 13, prior to Bader’s arrival. Max Kepler and Weston Wilson are available off the bench, with Kepler possessing limited experience in center field.

Marsh, while having played center field extensively, has performed better in left, accumulating 15 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in left field compared to -13 DRS in center field. Castellanos struggled defensively in right field during the regular season, ranking among the worst outfielders in Outs Above Average. Kemp, a natural third baseman, has adapted to left field to keep his bat in the lineup, showing improvement under outfield coach Paco Figueroa’s guidance.

The Phillies hope Bader’s injury will not significantly derail their playoff aspirations as they navigate the NLDS against the Dodgers.

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