Based on Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson's latest comments, the franchise has done something predictable. They have created more uncertainty about the role of one of their best prospects, Justin Crawford, should he be promoted when MLB rosters expand in September.
The team's plan for playing time among its outfielders was already perplexing before the addition of Harrison Bader at the MLB trade deadline. The situation has been an issue with the team since the start of last season, if not longer.
Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John surgery following the 2022 season and moved defensively from playing right field to first base. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber became the Phillies' full-time designated hitter in 2024 and does not receive much playing time in the outfield anymore. As far as having reliable everyday outfielders who can provide great offense consistently, the team's outfield hasn't been the same since these changes.
The Phillies optioned Johan Rojas to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Bader. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski commented following the trade deadline that the organization did not want to promote Crawford because they would rather he play every day, something he wouldn't have the opportunity to do that with Philly at the moment.
Rob Thomson's recent comments about Justin Crawford add more bewilderment to Phillies' outfield situation
Tim Kelly of On Pattison asked Thomson a question about the outfield situation last week. Kelly asked, barring injury, if the group of outfielders the Phillies have right now is who they will be rolling with, despite there still being talk of Crawford being promoted from Lehigh Valley.
Thomson's answer to the question makes the situation more baffling.
"I would think so," Thomson said of rolling with the outfielders they currently have. "They're all playing really well. When Crawford comes, whenever that is, he's gonna play. He's a young kid and needs to get out there and play."
Rob Thomson was asked by @TimKellySports if, barring injury, this is the group of outfielders he expects to roll with the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/YTGINrNARY
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) August 22, 2025
Kelly mentioned the words "barring injury" in his question. That is the best-case scenario for Crawford to play often this year, as Dombrowski and Thomson prefer based on their previous comments. There is just too much competition on the roster with all the outfielders healthy to foresee the young prospect getting sufficient playing time.
Crawford has played in both left and center field with the IronPigs this year. The Phillies now platoon both those spots in their outfield following Bader's addition. He and Brandon Marsh have been playing in center recently after they sent Rojas to Lehigh Valley.
Playing time in left field has been a convoluted mess all season, with Marsh, Max Kepler and Weston Wilson all splitting reps. Not to mention Schwarber, Edmundo Sosa, and Otto Kemp having gotten playing time occasionally. It would not be surprising for Bader to get playing time there or in right field at some point in the regular season or in the playoffs. He has previous experience playing at all three outfield spots, after all.
Thomson has given right fielder Nick Castellanos some more games off than he did last year, which he should for an occasional day of rest. Marsh and Kepler have filled in his place. Now, it looks more likely that Castellanos is becoming a part of the team's outfield rotation (subscription required), according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. [sigh]. Wonderful.
Let's say Kepler is designated for assignment at some point soon, should he return to his offensive struggles. There are just too many other options remaining for Thomson to play Crawford as often as they would like.
The youngster is being done a disservice to his development by making him a part of this puzzle just so they can play him. Crawford absolutely deserves a promotion to the majors, but this is not an ideal situation to put him in.
It’s a leadoff big fly for Justin Crawford!
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 8, 2025
The @Phillies’ No. 3 prospect rips his 26th extra-base hit, improving his slash line to .329/.414/.433 for the Triple-A @IronPigs: pic.twitter.com/Kml6scXKIZ
As much as fans want to see the young Crawford debut by the end of the regular season, he is better off staying with the IronPigs this year so he can play every day. It is disappointing for those in the fan base who are eager to see him display his talents with the Phillies. Their outfield situation seems enough of an issue this year without adding one more player whom the organization wants to play often if he is promoted.
That seems nearly impossible with all the moving parts in the club's crowded outfield group with Marsh, Kepler, Bader, and Wilson primarily in platoon roles. Not to mention Schwarber. Although his playing defensively regularly is unlikely, he is still a left fielder. He was in the lineup for the club's contest on Aug. 23 versus the Washington Nationals as the starter in left.
Don't forget about Rojas, should the Phillies decide to recall him at some point before the end of the regular season. This outfield situation is an absolute mess and a headache. It has been for over a year. In terms of wanting Crawford to play regularly with a month left in the regular season amid all the competition, the organization wants to have its cake and eat it too. It can't.
Despite the outfielder's success all season with Lehigh Valley, the Phillies need to forget promoting Crawford in 2025. With all the outfielders that are already getting playing time and based on the plan that the franchise wants him to play frequently, it is not going to work.
As of now, Castellanos and Marsh are the two outfielders on the roster who are most likely to return for spring training next year. The Phillies and Crawford are better off if he has an opportunity to make the 2026 Opening Day roster as a full-time outfielder by competing for a spot with the club beginning in Clearwater, Florida.