Harrison

Bader

Bader will test the open market this offseason in search of a multi-year deal after splitting last season between the Twins and Phillies, where he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 homers and 11 steals across 146 games. His fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper five-outfielder mixed leagues heading into next season, regardless of where he signs.

It sounds like he could play center field on Saturday if the Phillies win tonight. Bader hasn’t started since suffering a groin injury in the series opener last Saturday. The Phillies will again go with a Max Kepler-Brandon Marsh-Nick Castellanos outfield tonight.

Bader was a gametime decision because of his groin issue, and while the 31-year-old will likely be available off the bench, he’ll sit to begin the must-win game for Philadelphia. With Bader out, the Phillies lineup will go: Trea Turner SS, Kyle Schwarber DH, Bryce Harper 1B, Alec Bohm 3B, Brandon Marsh CF, J.T. Realmuto C, Max Kepler LF, Nick Castellanos RF and Bryson Stott 2B.

Bader came off the bench to deliver a clutch single before being lifted for a pinch-runner during Philadelphia’s ninth-inning rally during an eventual Game 2 loss on Monday night. The 31-year-old outfielder is limited by a groin issue that he suffered over the weekend but it sounds like there’s a chance he’ll be available in some capacity on Wednesday evening with the Phillies facing elimination.

Manager Rob Thomson said Bader, who was hurt Saturday, might be available as a pinch-hitter. The Phillies will use an Otto Kemp-Brandon Marsh-Nick Castellanos outfield against Blake Snell.

Thomson added that Bader felt better after receiving treatment and there should be additional clarity on his status heading into Monday’s pivotal Game 2 showdown. It’s an encouraging update after the 31-year-old outfielder left Saturday’s Game 1 contest with a groin tightness. There’s a chance he’s at least available off the bench for the rest of the best-of-five series, which is important with lefty Blake Snell on the mound for Game 2.

Bader told reporters after the game that he’s confident that he’ll be able to return to the lineup at some point during the series, though his availability for Game 2 on Monday remains unclear. Look for the Phillies to provide an update on his status as soon as they get the MRI results back.

Turner returns as Philadelphia’s top-of-the-order table-setter to kick off the postseason after missing a significant portion of September recovering from a hamstring strain. The 32-year-old power/speed combo fantasy star played five innings during last Sunday’s regular-season finale. Here’s the full lineup that will square off against Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in his first career postseason start at Citizens Bank Park: Turner (SS), Kyle Schwarber (DH), Bryce Harper (1B), Alec Bohm (3B), Brandon Marsh (LF), J.T. Realmuto (C), Max Kepler (RF), Harrison Bader (CF) and Bryson Stott (2B).

Bader led off the home half of the first inning with a single off of Janson Junk and advanced to third on a one-out single by Bryce Harper. He then scored on an RBI ground out off the bat of Alec Bohm. Since joining the Phillies, Bader is hitting .314/.371/.479 with five homers and 16 RBI in 186 plate appearances.

Bader came a triple away from the cycle, which is technically a thing. The 31-year-old has been outstanding for the majority of the year, but in particular with Philadelphia. That homer gives him five since the trade — 17 overall — and in 42 games, Bader is hitting .340/.395/.531 since being acquired from Minnesota.