Phillies got some strong production out of their glove-first outfielders
Dynamic statistic #4: Both defensive-minded centerfielders for the Phillies, Brandon Marsh and Cristian Pache, hit over .300 and slugged over .600 for the month. The two outfielders have reputations of not being able to hit MLB pitching at a consistent level. This narrative is more relevant to Pache as opposed to Marsh. Nevertheless, both are playing at a level that would require regular at-bats on a team that didn’t have better options. The early returns on Marsh and Pache with their leaps on offense provided the team with some much-needed ability to hit for extra bases.
Marsh has come into this season with a couple of holes in his hitting approach and swing. The high fastball and hard breaking ball down and away were go-to pitches to get Marsh out iast year. This year, Marsh’s hands are quicker to the ball through the strike zone. Cristian Pache bounced back from his first few disappointing at-bats to have good pitch selection at the plate. Marsh was consistently great as he had a slash line of .321/.415/.617 and accumulated 50 totla bases. Pache has been a great platoon player and overacheived thus far as a defensive outfielder. Pache has slashed .360/.360/.600 in April with 15 total bases in only 25 at-bats.
The Philadelphia Phillies have finished one month of the anticipated 2023 season. April, for the Phillies, had its tough times and its triumphant times. From Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler’s struggles to Nick Castellanos’ return to his All-Star form, the Phillies season has been eventful. These four dynamic statistics from the Phillies’ first month of the season tells part of the story of what is a long, grueling season.