Brandon Marsh Leaves Rehab Game Early with Hamstring Cramp
The Philadelphia Phillies broke their five-game losing streak with a big offensive performance against the Cubs on Saturday. However, outfielder Brandon Marsh had a setback during his rehab stint.
On Sunday, Marsh played his fourth consecutive game at Triple-A but was pulled after six innings due to a cramp in the same right hamstring he injured on April 16. He is scheduled for evaluation in Philadelphia on Monday. The team is expected to be cautious given the previous injury to the same area.
Manager Rob Thomson said Marsh’s swing timing looked decent and hitting coach Kevin Long was pleased with his balance and approach, but they’re unsure how the latest discomfort will affect his return.
Although Sunday marked the first day Marsh was eligible to come off the injured list, the Phillies had planned to extend his rehab assignment until he was more confident at the plate. So far this season, Marsh has struggled, hitting just .095 with 16 strikeouts in 42 at-bats. Thomson added that Marsh had been pressing at the plate and needed time to reset.
Johan Rojas has been starting in center field during Marsh’s absence, with Cal Stevenson serving as his backup. Edmundo Sosa has also seen limited action in center, typically during day games.
Pitching Updates: Suárez and Sánchez
Pitcher Ranger Suárez made a strong rehab outing on Sunday, throwing 78 pitches over 4⅔ innings, striking out eight, and delivering first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 20 batters he faced. Suárez, recovering from a lower-back injury, has performed well in all four rehab starts. The Phillies will decide soon whether he needs one more outing or is ready to rejoin the rotation.
Suárez is particularly motivated to return strong as he approaches free agency, having posted a 1.75 ERA in 15 starts last year before the injury.
Meanwhile, Cristopher Sánchez threw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field five days after leaving a game with forearm tightness. He’s been evaluated by team staff and says he feels normal. He will be reexamined Monday to determine when he can pitch next. Zack Wheeler is set to start Tuesday against the Nationals, but the rest of the week’s rotation depends on the health of Sánchez and Suárez.
