Brandon Marsh
The Phillies’ lineup for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Mets has a different look, as Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh are both out. With New York’s left-hander Sean Manaea on the mound, manager Rob Thomson has opted to go with right-handers Austin Hays and Edmundo Sosa in their place.

Thomson’s decision reflects a strategic adjustment against Manaea, who has dominated right-handed hitters this season. Over 500 at-bats, righties have managed just a .190 average and a .271 on-base percentage, with 152 strikeouts against the southpaw.

The move also underscores the success Hays and Sosa have had against left-handed pitching this year. Hays, in particular, has hit .354 with a .404 OBP in 82 at-bats, while Sosa has posted a .284 average with a .514 slugging percentage in over 100 at-bats.

Meanwhile, Stott and Marsh have struggled against lefties. Marsh is hitting below .100 in nearly 100 plate appearances this season. Though Stott played a key role in the Phillies’ dramatic Game 2 win with a clutch go-ahead triple in the eighth inning, his splits against left-handers prompted Thomson to make the switch.

"Yeah, it was [tough]." Thomson said. "He's had some numbers against Manaea. Manaea's been tough against righties. He's been tough against everybody, he's throwing the ball well. But Sosa is 4-8 with a homer. Just outweigh it a little bit. But it was tough"

Marsh, following a down year compared to last season, remains hitless through eight at-bats this postseason.

In a playoff setting where any player can become an unexpected hero, the Phillies are banking on Hays and Sosa to provide a spark. While neither is known for their offensive output, Thomson is betting their recent success against lefties could tilt the odds in Game 3.

Phillies Lineup
Schwarber DH 
Turner 6 
Harper 3 
Castellanos 9 
Bohm 5 
Realmuto 2 
Hays 7 
Sosa 4 
Rojas 8

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