Harrison Bader makes a diving catch in Game 1 of the NLDS. He injured his groin during the game. Hunter Martin / Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies will be without their center fielder in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, a development that has ramifications for a team trying to avoid a 2-0 hole against the defending world champions.
Harrison Bader is not in Monday’s Game 2 lineup; he suffered a groin injury in Game 1. The Phillies did not think it was a serious injury, but it was enough for now to sideline Bader.
The Phillies will start Brandon Marsh in center field against a lefty, Blake Snell. They were already planning to sacrifice defense for offense in the corner spots. They’ll go with Nick Castellanos in right field and Otto Kemp in left field against the southpaw Snell. Now, without their best outfield defender in Bader, the unit is even more compromised.
Bader hit a sacrifice fly and made a diving catch in Game 1. He’s provided a jolt of energy ever since joining the Phillies in a midseason trade from the Minnesota Twins. He hit .305/.361/.463 in 50 games following the trade.
This season, Bader has been far better against righties than lefties. But, for his career, he’s a much more productive hitter against lefties. He would have been an important lineup presence against Snell.
Oct 6, 2025
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