Key lineup adjustments include Brandon Marsh in center field, Edmundo Sosa at left field, and Bryson Stott moving to second base. Crawford, slashing .230/.291/.333 with a 75 wRC+ in 59 games, has been notably ineffective against left-handed pitching, hitting just .143 with a .393 OPS in limited samples. This has prompted the team to shield him from lefties and lean on alternative options as they assess his role going forward.
The Phillies’ lineup remains vulnerable to left-handed pitching, with Edmundo Sosa serving as a platoon option and Stott performing reasonably well against lefties (.273/.368/.394, 118 wRC+ in 39 plate appearances). The organization is also exploring a potential midseason addition for a right-handed bat to bolster the lineup, as the team currently ranks well below average against left-handers in OPS and wRC+. This strategic decision underscores ongoing high expectations for Crawford’s development while balancing immediate lineup needs.
Key takeaways:
– Crawford sits vs. a left-handed starter due to slump and platoon concerns.
– Marsh starts in center; Sosa in left; Stott moves to second.
– Phillies face continued left-handed hitting vulnerabilities and may seek a right-handed bat at the deadline.
