CLEARWATER, Fla. — The expectation is that Brandon Marsh will be ready for the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery last week in Philadelphia.
The always upbeat Marsh addressed reporters Thursday in Clearwater and says he’s on track for Opening Day. He ran and played catch in the outfield of BayCare Ballpark under the watchful eye of head athletic trainer Paul Buchheit.
“I’m in a good state of mind right now,” Marsh said. “I have good hands working on me and we’re right on track.”
Marsh said he began feeling discomfort in the knee earlier in the offseason. It reached a point where he had to contact the medical staff. He underwent a procedure in Philly last week that he described as a “clean up.”
The issue, as Marsh suggested, stems from an injury suffered in August 2022 in a game against the Reds. He attempted to make a leaping grab to rob Jonathan India of a home run only to fall to the track. He missed 10 days with what was deemed at the time as a left ankle sprain. Marsh also missed games last year with a left knee contusion.
The issue, as Marsh suggested, stems from an injury suffered in August 2022 in a game against the Reds. He attempted to make a leaping grab to rob Jonathan India of a home run only to fall to the track. He missed 10 days with what was deemed at the time as a left ankle sprain. Marsh also missed games last year with a left knee contusion.
Much of the focus on Marsh this season will be on his playing time against lefties. He posted a .717 OPS in 110 plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2023, but was protected at times against tougher opponents. He also had to share the outfield with platoon partner Cristian Pache, who had a .924 OPS against lefties in 57 plate appearances.
