Brandon Marsh joins Bryce Harper on Phillies’ escalating injury concerns ahead of crucial MLB stretch

Just one night after delivering his most electrifying moment of the 2025 MLB season, Brandon Marsh walked off the field under far different circumstances. His clutch walk-off single on Monday brought life back to the Philadelphia Phillies and helped snap a brutal losing skid. But less than 24 hours later, Marsh exited Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs with elbow soreness—yet another hit to a team already coping with Bryce Harper’s absence.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Marsh had begun to heat up at the plate, stringing together his first three-game hit streak in a month. His bat was adding welcome depth to the lower half of a lineup still adjusting to Harper’s stint on the injured list due to a wrist injury. And now, with uncertainty surrounding Marsh, Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm is once again under threat.

The 27-year-old outfielder was pulled in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s 8–4 loss, with the club citing precautionary reasons. But even the slightest concern becomes magnified when one key contributor is already out and another begins to emerge.

Injury pile-up threatens Phillies’ momentum

The Phillies, sitting at 38–29, are fighting to stay competitive in a tightly contested National League. Harper’s absence had already left a noticeable gap both at the plate and in leadership. With Marsh quietly gaining momentum—posting back-to-back multi-hit games and revitalizing the team’s bottom order—the elbow issue arrives at a crucial moment.

Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies cannot make a catch on a single off the bat of Jared Triolo #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) in the fourth inning during the game at PNC Park on June 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

“He was finally finding his rhythm,” manager Rob Thomson remarked postgame. While there was no immediate indication of a long-term issue, any disruption to Marsh’s rhythm could slow down a team that had only just begun to turn the corner.

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Marsh is currently batting .241 with two home runs and 13 RBIs over 48 games this season. More importantly, his versatility in the outfield and his knack for situational hitting have become essential tools for a Phillies team in need of consistency.

With Harper out, depth becomes a real concern

The loss of Bryce Harper was already testing the Phillies’ offensive structure. Now, with Marsh potentially out, Philadelphia may be forced to seek production from less experienced or underperforming players. Thomson’s ability to manage matchups and find unexpected contributions will likely define the next stretch of games.

Must-win mentality heading into series decider

Wednesday’s rubber match against the Cubs has taken on heightened importance. The team faces a red-hot Chicago squad (41–26) and must avoid slipping further behind in the NL East standings. Complicating matters, left-hander Jesus Luzardo—despite his recent struggles—still has the tools to dominate if the Phillies don’t come out aggressive.

There’s hope that Marsh’s exit was merely precautionary. But in a season where margins are razor-thin, every player counts. The Phillies are in survival mode—and with Harper out and Marsh’s status uncertain, each game now carries postseason-like pressure.