dailyloe.com – Philadelphia Phillies rookie Justin Crawford is out of Monday’s lineup against the Washington Nationals. Manager Rob Thomson made the decision as a planned strategy. The move comes despite Crawford’s solid start to his major league career.
Crawford went 3-for-9 in his first three games after being called up. He will be on the bench for the series opener at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will face Nationals left-handed starter Foster Griffin.
“Just to give him a little reprieve from all these left-handed starters,” Thomson stated. He added that Crawford normally handles lefties pretty well. The 22-year-old outfielder started against lefty Mackenzie Gore just a day prior.
Crawford recorded a hit against Gore in Sunday’s game. He was later pinch-hit for in the ninth inning. Thomson explained the decision is part of managing the rookie’s early workload.
Brandon Marsh will start in center field over Crawford. Marsh has struggled against left-handed pitching this season. He is batting just .197 against lefties in 2025.
Catcher J.T. Realmuto will also rest for the game. Backup Rafael Marchán will take his place behind the plate. The lineup features other right-handed bats against the lefty Griffin.
Crawford hit .376 versus lefties in Triple-A last season. His minor league success did not factor into Monday’s decision. Thomson expressed continued confidence in Marsh’s abilities.
“I always have confidence in him, to tell you the truth,” Thomson said of Marsh. He noted that left-handed hitters face ups and downs. The Phillies hold a 1-2 record entering the new series.[]
Source: Phillies Nation
