PHILADELPHIA — Phillies center fielder Harrison Bader was not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the NL Division Series because of a groin injury.
Bader was injured running the bases in the Phillies’ Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manager Rob Thomson said imaging showed no major tear or strain in Bader’s groin and there was a possibility he could pinch hit Monday night.
With Bader sidelined, the Phillies started Brandon Marsh in center field and right-handed hitters Otto Kemp in left field and Nick Castellanos in right against Dodgers lefty Blake Snell.
Bader hit .277 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs this season, split between Minnesota and the Phillies. He secured the starting center field spot after he was acquired in a trade-deadline deal.
Also against the two-time Cy Young Award Winner Snell, the Phillies started right-handed hitter Edmundo Sosa at second base instead of Bryson Stott. Sosa hit three home runs in a game last month against Miami.
PHILADELPHIA — October 6, 2025 — The Philadelphia Phillies will be without center fielder Harrison Bader in the starting lineup for Game 2 of their National League Division Series matchup after he sustained a groin injury in Game 1.
Bader experienced tightness during Monday’s contest and was removed as a precaution. Subsequent imaging revealed no structural damage, providing relief to both the team and fans concerned about his postseason availability.
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Bader remains day-to-day and could be used off the bench if needed. “We’re being cautious,” Thomson said. “He felt some discomfort, but there’s nothing serious. We’ll see how he responds today.”
With Bader sidelined, Johan Rojas will start in center field for Game 2. Rojas, known for his speed and defense, is expected to provide solid coverage in the outfield while the Phillies await Bader’s recovery.
Bader, 30, joined the Phillies midseason and quickly became a defensive cornerstone in center field, adding veteran playoff experience to the roster. His injury comes at a crucial juncture as Philadelphia looks to take a commanding lead in the series.
The Phillies are optimistic that Bader could return to the lineup for Game 3, depending on how he feels after additional rest and treatment.
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