Brandon Marsh injury: Phillies outfielder expected to be ready for 2024 Opening Day after knee surgery

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh underwent successful arthroscopic debridement surgery on his left knee Friday morning, the team announced. Hopefully he will return to game action in 3-4 weeks and be ready for Opening Day.

Marsh, 26, had a stellar season last season, slashing .277/.372/.458 with 12 home runs while playing strong defense primarily in center field and some left field. He was hit regularly and slashed .292/.387/.477 against righties. This is excellent production from a player who typically hits in the bottom half of the lineup.

Although he is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Marsh’s surgery is a blow to the club’s already thin outfield. He was expected to play left field with Johan Rojas in center and Nick Castellanos in right. Jake Cave and Christian Pache are on the bench and the club’s most experienced Triple-A options are journeymen Cody Clemens and Cal Stevenson.

If necessary, the Phillies could move Bryce Harper back to the outfield, which would likely mean Alec Bohm at first base and Edmundo Sosa at third. They could also slot Derrick Hall or Clemens at first. Harper is moving to first base full-time this yearHowever he may return to the outfield now that he has completed rehabilitation from his Tommy John surgery.

Philadelphia went on to advance 90–72 and advance to the NL Championship Series for the second consecutive season in 2023. However, they had a fairly low-key offseason other than re-signing Aaron Nola. Rhys Hoskins left as a free agent.