Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Philadelphia Phillies have placed outfielder Brandon Marsh (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. Marsh has been unable to play in their previous three contests and will now face a longer absence. Before his injury, Marsh was in a slump at the plate, tallying just four hits, including one home run, across 17 contests. During this stretch, he held a high 31.4 percent strikeout rate with a low .387 OPS. While Marsh remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Johan Rojas to continue to see time as the everyday center fielder in Philadelphia. Last season, Marsh was productive as he held a .249/.328/.419 line. However, given his slow start, fantasy managers in shallower formats should not consider stashing Marsh while he is on the IL.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (knee) remains out of the starting lineup on Saturday, when the Phillies continue a series against the Miami Marlins. Marsh suffered this knee injury on Wednesday. Initially, this injury was not viewed as serious, but it appears Marsh could hit the injured list if he remains sidelined. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to Sunday's contest. Through the first 15 games of the campaign, Marsh tallied just one hit (a single) and held a 12:7 K:BB. Under the hood, he generated a low .259 xwOBA with a .287 xSLG. With Marsh sitting out again, Johan Rojas will get the starting nod in center field. Rojas is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing Miami right-hander Cal Quantrill, who enters Saturday carrying a 5.79 ERA.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was excellent on the mound during Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Wheeler gave up a two-run home run to Eric Wagaman, but was basically untouchable outside of that. He tossed seven innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, and recording 13 strikeouts in the win. Wheeler hasn't been like himself lately, but hopefully this outing will help him get back on track. He'll take a 3.73 ERA with 41 strikeouts into his next start against the New York Mets. Fantasy managers have been given a few bad starts from Wheeler, but he remains a must-start in fantasy formats.

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado earned his fourth save of the campaign on Thursday afternoon during their victory over the San Francisco Giants. Alvarado entered the game in the ninth inning but ran into some trouble. After retiring Casey Schmitt via a lineout, he would allow a solo shot to Tyler Fitzgerald. He would then allow a single to outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. However, the southpaw was able to hold the lead to seal the victory. Through his first nine 1/3 innings of work this season, the 29-year-old has held a 2.89 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. He has tallied 14 punchouts and generated an elite 2.15 xERA, which suggests he should see positive regression during the summer. Alvarado has emerged as the primary ninth-inning option in Philadelphia and remains a must-start option in all leagues.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) is not expected to return before the end of April, according to Jeff Kerr of CBS News. Manager Rob Thompson noted that the southpaw still needs "at least" more than one rehab outing to continue to build his pitch count. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, but it appears the southpaw will not be in contention to return to action till at least May. So far, the 29-year-old has logged seven rehab innings (across two outings) and held a strong 1.29 with a 0.70 WHIP. He has posted a near-perfect 11:1 K:BB. When Suarez does eventually return to Philadelphia, he will likely push Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Last summer, Suarez was effective when on the bump, holding a 3.46 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP.