Harrison Bader sidelined due to groin injury in Game 2 of NLDS

In a crucial Game 2 of the National League Division Series, the Philadelphia Phillies faced the Los Angeles Dodgers without their starting center fielder Harrison Bader due to a groin injury sustained during Game 1. Bader's injury occurred while he was running the bases in the sixth inning of the previous game. Although the team's manager Rob Thomson indicated there was no significant tear or strain found during an MRI, the decision was made to keep Bader out of the lineup for Game 2. The loss of Bader represents a notable setback for the Phillies, particularly considering his strong performance since joining the team at the trade deadline. During the regular season, he posted a .277 batting average with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs, showcasing substantial offensive capabilities. Bader's absence led to shifts in the team's lineup, prompting the Phillies to position Brandon Marsh in center field and utilize Otto Kemp in left field, aiming to maintain a competitive edge against the formidable Dodgers. Given the context of the series, where the Phillies were trailing 1-0 after losing Game 1, this lineup change was critical as the team sought to even the series before heading to Los Angeles for the next round of games. With the stakes high, the Phillies needed to leverage their other players effectively to compensate for Bader's absence and enhance their chances of winning against Dodgers' left-handed pitcher Blake Snell. The organization was hopeful that while Bader would miss this game, the injury was not severe enough to rule him out for future matchups as they aimed to capitalize on his contributions in the postseason moving forward.