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Phillies Go Lefty vs. Lefty: Marsh Benched
30 Sep
Summary
- Phillies start Wild Card Series vs. Braves on Tuesday.
- Brandon Marsh benched against lefty starter Chris Sale.
- Bryan De La Cruz starts in left field for Game 1.
The Philadelphia Phillies are commencing their Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves this Tuesday. This best-of-three series is crucial for advancing to the ALDS. For the opening game, the Phillies will send left-hander Jesús Luzardo to the mound, facing the Braves' ace, Chris Sale.
In preparation for Sale's left-handed pitching, Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly has made a notable lineup decision. Despite Brandon Marsh's productive season, he will be benched against lefties, a strategy Mattingly has employed since the latter half of the season. Bryan De La Cruz is slated to start in left field in Marsh's usual position for Game 1.
This lineup change signifies the Phillies' commitment to platoon advantages even in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Marsh, who had a career-best season in 2026, may see action later in the series as a pinch-hitter against right-handed relief pitchers.
