The Milwaukee Brewers are in town this week. It's an important series and, in some ways, defining so far in this still-young season. The Phillies have been criticized numerous times over the lackluster teams they have played. The doubters didn't have to wait any longer as the 36-23 first-place Brewers arrived and the Phillies rose to the challenge.
Hours before the game, it was announced that outfielder Brandon Marsh had been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain from an injury he obtained Sunday night. David Dahl was the man chosen for the roster spot.
Dahl played most of his career with the Colorado Rockies since being drafted in 2012. He's a career .271 hitter with a .780 OPS in 331 career games. The Phillies signed him to a minor league deal in February, and with Marsh injured, he was given the start in left field on Monday night. As reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, his Phillies debut was a memorable one (subscription required).
Brandon Marsh's replacement the latest hero to step up in his Phillies debut
In his first at-bat of 2024, Dahl singled to right field in the bottom of the second inning. The second time around, in the bottom of the fourth, the Phillies had built a 2-0 lead with Zack Wheeler shutting down the Brewers. Dahl found a pitch to turn on and deposited a fastball into the right field seats at 105 mph for a 362-foot home run.
OMG, David!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/tf1Winfp2F
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 3, 2024
Yes, the Phillies have another feel-good story in a year that keeps pumping out moment after moment. This is a team that seems to always have another trick up its sleeve. It was also a wholesome moment that Dahl will remember for a long time.
Dahl was all smiles during his post-game interview when describing getting to contribute to his new team and be part of this winning culture. He described the standing ovation he received in left field after hitting his home run as "probably the coolest thing I've experienced on a baseball field." It's just another feather in the cap for the Phillies and the fanbase.
The Phillies went on to win the game 3-1, with a familiar face in Rhys Hoskins putting a cherry on top in his return to Philadelphia with a solo homer of his own in the top of the seventh. Dahl's contribution on the other end, took the cake. A veteran who has been waiting for his opportunity all season may get to show even more while Marsh is sidelined as he recovers from his injury.
The Phillies look to secure a series win in Game 2 against the Brewers on Tuesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.