Aug 1, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler smiles as he walks in from the outfield at Citizens Bank Park. (Grace Del Pizzo/On Pattison)
Phillies
Ahead of Tuesday evening's matchup with the New York Mets, Phillies manager Rob Thomson provided a series of updates.
Brandon Marsh was out of the lineup Monday as he battled the flu. He likely wouldn't have been in Tuesday's lineup regardless because the Mets are starting lefty Sean Manaea. Thomson said of Marsh: "He's feeling a little bit better today, but he's still feeling it." Thomson said "I would think so" when asked if Marsh could be available to pinch hit if needed tonight.
The Phillies announced on Aug. 23 that Zack Wheeler had been diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and "the recommendation is to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks." Thomson said Tuesday that a date is not yet set for the procedure — which comes with a six-to-eight month recovery timeline — alluding to blood thinners that Wheeler is on after having a blood clot removed on Aug. 18 as something that could be holding things up:
There is not yet a set date for Zack Wheeler’s thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
Thomson on how Wheeler is doing overall after he was at Citizens Bank Park Monday: "I think he's feeling fine. He's in good spirits. Obviously, he wants to be part of the club and pitch and do all that, but he understands how important this procedure will be."
After Bryce Harper led off in the absence of Trea Turner Monday, Harrison Bader will get a shot to do so Tuesday. The leadoff spot appears to be a day-to-day thing right now, because Thomson said he doesn't believe he would have Bader lead off against a right-handed pitcher:
The lineup juggle continues for the Phillies, although I guess you could say this is their vs. lefty lineup… for now.
Entering play tonight, the Phillies have a magic number of eight to clinch a playoff spot. Phillies Nation's Destiny Lugardo has a super thorough explainer of all the latest playoff scenarios.
Tim Kelly is the Managing Editor for On Pattison. He's been on the Phillies beat since 2020. Kelly is also on Bleacher Report's MLB staff. Previously, Kelly has worked for Phillies Nation, Audacy Sports, SportsRadio 94 WIP, Just Baseball, FanSided, Locked On and Sports Illustrated/FanNation. Kelly is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a major in Mass Communications and minor in Political Science.
