Harrison Bader's groin injury creates an outfield rotation headache for the Phillies as they chase the Dodgers in a tense NLDS. With no major tear reported, Philadelphia wrestles with a day-to-day prognosis while considering how to align the lineup if Bader sits Game 2.

If Bader is unavailable, Castellanos likely starts in right, Marsh slides to center, and Wilson or Kepler fills left. Rojas, Crawford, and Mercado sit outside the roster, leaving Mercado as a potential late call-up. The Phillies push to keep the series within reach while monitoring Bader’s status for a potential return.

Phillies sold out Wednesday’s intrasquad at Citizens Bank Park, topping 31,000 tickets for a charity scrimmage and turning South Philadelphia into a postseason-like venue four days before NLDS Game 1. The crowd energy is pitched as a tangible edge, part of a broader plan to replicate playoff conditions and sharpen the team’s readiness after last year’s NLDS exit.

Management highlights how the for-charity turnout mirrors the city’s fan fervor and translates to on-field intensity, with Nick Castellanos noting the jungle-like atmosphere that fans create. The event also doubles as a community win, with Phillies Charities distributing grants as the organization leans into Philadelphian support ahead of October baseball.

Wednesday’s spectacle surpassed the attendance of several playoff clubs, signaling a potential home-field advantage in a season that has thrived on crowd energy and community backing. Johan Rojas won’t be on the NLDS roster, while the bye and the surge of local enthusiasm remain central to the Phillies’ playoff narrative.

The Philadelphia Phillies are on the verge of a significant trade, aimed at bolstering their struggling bullpen as they close in on the trade deadline. They are expected to acquire right-hander Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, a reliever boasting a formidable 2.01 ERA and remarkable strikeout rates this season. The Phillies' return for Duran includes minor-league catcher Eduardo Tait and pitcher Mick Abel, both of whom represent promising assets for Minnesota.

Duran, 27, is not just a rental; he is arbitration-eligible through 2027, enhancing his value. His ability to control games makes him a sought-after piece on the market. With the Phillies entering play with a 4.33 bullpen ERA, they desperately need Duran's reliability, especially after losing key pitchers due to suspension and free agency. This trade signals a strategic shift for the Twins, who are open to moving more players as they reshape their roster.

The Philadelphia Phillies are on the verge of a significant trade, aimed at bolstering their struggling bullpen as they close in on the trade deadline. They are expected to acquire right-hander Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, a reliever boasting a formidable 2.01 ERA and remarkable strikeout rates this season. The Phillies' return for Duran includes minor-league catcher Eduardo Tait and pitcher Mick Abel, both of whom represent promising assets for Minnesota.

Duran, 27, is not just a rental; he is arbitration-eligible through 2027, enhancing his value. His ability to control games makes him a sought-after piece on the market. With the Phillies entering play with a 4.33 bullpen ERA, they desperately need Duran's reliability, especially after losing key pitchers due to suspension and free agency. This trade signals a strategic shift for the Twins, who are open to moving more players as they reshape their roster.

Justin Crawford, Hunter Barco, and Andrew Painter are three significant MLB prospects to consider as the fantasy baseball season progresses. Crawford, an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts impressive stats at Triple-A, including a .325 batting average and 29 stolen bases. His speed could greatly enhance any fantasy team, especially for managers seeking to boost their SB totals.

Hunter Barco, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has shown dominance throughout the season, with a remarkable ERA of 2.52 at Triple-A. His recent performance indicates he might soon be called up, providing solid potential for fantasy managers looking for pitching depth.

Andrew Painter, another Phillies prospect, has faced challenges but is still highly regarded. With a history of elite command, he may soon see playing time in the majors, making him a valuable addition for those in need of pitching help.