Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (hamstring) was hopeful to rejoin the big league club within the next week, but that plan might've changed. Marsh played six innings during a rehab game with Triple-A Lehigh Valley before being removed due to a right hamstring cramp. The plan is to re-evaluate Marsh on Monday, but this setback will likely push back his timetable to return. The 27-year-old was struggling at the plate before going down with a hamstring issue. Marsh has four hits in 51 plate appearances, so fantasy managers can leave him on the waiver wire for now.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) looked strong on the mound during his most recent start at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. The southpaw tossed 4 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out eight batters. He threw 78 pitches in this one, so the Phillies will likely want to stretch him out a little more before returning to the big league rotation. There is no word of Suarez making another start, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he makes one more appearance before heading back to Philly. It's worth noting that Cristopher Sanchez (forearm) is banged up, so maybe Suarez replaces him in the rotation. Fantasy managers in need of pitching help should stash Suarez where available.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays continued his torrid start to the season on Saturday, smashing two homers in a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Hays has been incredible in a small sample size for the Reds, as he is now hitting .386 with a 1.222 OPS, 12 runs, five homers, 11 RBI, and a steal in 44 at-bats. The 29-year-old appears to be a great fit in Cincy, and it looks like he will have ample playing time. Hays should be rostered in all standard-size leagues at this point, and makes for a great waiver wire pickup with seven home games next week.

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday. He felt fine after playing catch during pregame warmups on Friday. The 28-year-old was removed from Tuesday's start early due to forearm soreness after just 58 pitches. He is not scheduled for an MRI or additional testing and could avoid being on the injured list altogether. Sanchez will not make his next start against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, and it is to be determined when he will take the mound next. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will start in place of Sanchez on Tuesday. Sanchez owns a (2-1) record with a 3.42 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 26 1/3 innings in 2025.

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (shoulder) has been cleared to start Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the hosting Chicago Cubs. Walker is fine after dealing with some stiffness in his right shoulder during his last start on Saturday against the Miami Marlins, when he gave up an earned run in four innings of work for a no-decision. The 32-year-old veteran has been a pleasant surprise while opening the year in Philly's starting rotation due to injuries, as he's gone 1-1 with a 2.29 ERA (4.24 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP and 16:8 K:BB in 19 2/3 innings over four starts against the Rockies Braves, Giants and Marlins. His lone bad outing came against San Fran, when he gave up four earned runs in five innings. Walker has exceeded expectations to this point, but we wouldn't recommend streaming him against a Cubs offense that has been one of the best in baseball early on.