Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly has shifted All-Star outfielder Brandon Marsh back into a platoon role following extended offensive struggles against left-handed pitching.
Marsh sat out against left-handed starters twice during the team's late-July series against the New York Yankees, including Saturday's 3-1 loss.
Against left-hander Ryan Weathers, Philadelphia's lineup featured right-handed hitters Edmundo Sosa, Derek Hill, and Bryan De La Cruz in the outfield before Marsh entered mid-game.
Marsh will continue playing left field against right-handed starters alongside rookies Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones Jr.
This season, Marsh batted just . 233 with a .
379 slugging percentage and a .
645 OPS against left-handed pitchers, striking out 13 times in a 24-plate-appearance stretch prior to late July.
Mattingly Explains Decision
Mattingly emphasized that the team needed immediate improvement at the plate despite Marsh's early-season flashes.
"Honestly, you have to look at the numbers at some point," said Mattingly, interim manager for the Phillies.
Mattingly acknowledged his ongoing belief in Marsh's long-term capability as an everyday major league starter.
"I do believe that he's going to be a guy that can be an everyday guy," said Mattingly.
"Something we talked about is understanding how to hit lefties and what you need to do."
He noted that current production remains paramount during a tight division race.
"But at some point, we're trying to win games. We need to be better against lefties," Mattingly added.
Marsh's Response
Marsh expressed full support for Mattingly's strategic decisions and confidence in the team's outfield group.
"I've got nothing but love and respect for him. I'll ride for him.
I'll die for him," said Marsh.
"And if he wants De La Cruz to go run out there and take the nod in left field, then that's what's going to happen."
Marsh noted that he has used teammate Kyle Schwarber as a guide while adjusting his approach against left-handed pitching.
"He's able to relate to players like me, guys who are following his footsteps," Marsh said.
The outfielder reiterated that his comfort level against southpaws has developed despite the recent slump.
"I feel more comfortable against them for sure, just with the reps that I've gotten this year," said Marsh.
"Definitely a lot more room for improvement."
The club had a .
302 on-base percentage against left-handed pitching, ranking tied for 26th in Major League Baseball, while their right-handed hitters ranked last at .
276.
Philadelphia returned Marsh to the lineup, batting fourth in left field, for the series finale against Yankees right-hander Will Warren.
The team holds a 56-49 record and the second National League Wild Card spot.
