Phillies Notebook: Day of work returns Brandon Marsh quickly to lineup

PHILADELPHIA One day after hinting rather strongly that Brandon Marsh was likely in for a two- or three-day substitute stand, Phillies manager Rob Thomson wrote Marshs name on the lineup card Tuesday.

That is, Marsh and his .108 batting average and ongoing oh-for-26 hitless skein entering Tuesday nights game with San Francisco.

He had a really good workday yesterday, Thomson said.

He did a lot of hitting yesterday.

Thomson added that he consulted hitting coach Kevin Long about Marshs work before talking to Marsh, saying the struggling player, was pretty adamant that he was in a good spot.

So, well run him out.

What Thomson also did was watch Johan Rojas Monday night bat with runners in scoring position in the fourth and sixth innings, coming up small both times.

Rojas struck out all three times he came to the plate, then was pinch-hit for by Kody Clemens in the eighth.

Its pretty obvious the Phillies centerfield tandem of Marsh and Rojas is having its offensive problems.

If that persists, that spot should get a lot of attention from team president Dave Dombrowski.

But as is his way, Thomson shrugged it off.

Its like any of the spots, get them going, Thomson said.

I saw some stat on our nine-hole hitters (being) oh-for-whatever.

Thatll change eventually and itll change for our centerfielders, too.

Meanwhile, Clemens actually got an at-bat late Monday night, albeit after the Giants had essentially put away a 10-4 victory.

It was almost a cause celebre for Clemens, who has all of three official at bats on the season.

Before Mondays game, he tried hard to be a good teammate when starting to talk about his lack of opportunity.

I know there will be an opportunity sooner or later, so Im just trying to stay positive in that way, Clemens said.

Playing in front of these fans and this city, I couldnt be around better guys.

That said, there is little doubt that, aside from being an injury replacement, Clemens will be challenged to find playing time on a team well stocked with left-handed bats.

Asked if he had discussed his situation with Thomson yet, Clemens said, I think its the elephant in the room.

They know Im not getting an opportunity, but they know its a long season, he added about his coaches and manager.

There will probably be some sort of time this year where I need to step in and play for this team and contribute.

So Im just trying to stay level-headed and stay confident in my abilities for when the time comes.

Clemens role on the club is as pinch-hitter and occasional sub for Bryce Harper at first base.

A right-hand thrower, he has played other infield positions, too.

But he has also played some outfield in his spot MLB appearances during his career.

Despite that, hes not a likely candidate to fill what many perceive to be a Phillies hole in center.

And he might also wonder what his role might be once utility player Weston Wilson returns from his injury absence, as Clemens is out of minor league options.

Im not dumb to this roster, I know exactly what Im in for, Clemens said.

When I made the team I knew there was going to be a very small opportunity to play multiple times in a week.

With the roster we have, theres just a ton of really, really good players and superstars.

So the more I can lean on them (helps), and if somebody needs a day to rest their body I would get in there and play.

It just depends on what Rob and Dave want to do with me.

But like I said, Im just trying to stay as prepared as possible for when the time comes.

While the bulk of his playing time has been at Triple-A in his three seasons with the Phillies organization, Clemens grew up around major league baseball thanks to his famous father, Roger Clemens.

So when he views teammates struggling at the plate, such as Alec Bohm and Marsh, Clemens has no problem offering a suggestion or two.

Im not a veteran guy but Ive been around the game enough and Im comfortable enough with these guys to talk about certain things, he said.

So I told Bohm and Marsh, Look, youre both really good players, and you can tell me to back off if you want me to, but take it however you want, youve just got to trust yourself and your abilities.

Theyre both .260 and .270 hitters over their careers, so (the ball) is going to fall for (them).

I know its tough, and its so hard when youre struggling, especially for a team like this and a fanbase like this, but you just have to trust your ability and keep your confidence up, because if you get down on yourself youre just going to continue to spiral..

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