Philadelphia Phillies
· 2026-07-13
Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that rookie outfielder Justin Crawford was scratched from the lineup after feeling left‑knee soreness during pre‑game drills. The decision came just before the series opener against the Detroit Tigers, and the club said it will evaluate him with imaging tomorrow.
Crawford slipped while running the outfield in a pre‑game drill, according to Lochlahn March of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He reported the incident on X, noting that the pain eased as the game progressed. Don Mattingly, the Phillies’ manager, said Crawford felt better later in the day and will be checked in the morning.
Derek Hill stepped in at center field and batted eighth, replacing Crawford in the lineup. The move was described as precautionary by MLB.com, which highlighted that the team wants to avoid any lingering issues for the rookie. Hill’s defensive work will be under the microscope as the Phillies look to keep momentum.
Crawford has been a spark plug for Philadelphia, starting 73 of the team’s 94 games in center field. He is batting .263 with two homers, 21 RBIs and a .665 OPS. In his recent hot stretch he hit .333 over eight July games and .350 with an .814 OPS in his last 20 contests. His game‑winning RBI against the Reds on Thursday helped secure a 1‑0 victory, underscoring his value in close games.
The club sits fifth in the National League with a 54‑43 record and is riding a two‑game winning streak. After a 0‑5 win at Detroit on July 12, Philadelphia remains 3.5 games behind the Braves for the NL East lead. Losing Crawford for even a single game could tighten the race, especially as the Tigers struggle below .500.
The Phillies will monitor Crawford’s knee overnight and likely order an MRI if soreness persists. Mattingly emphasized that the team prefers to be safe rather than risk a longer layoff. If cleared, Crawford could return for the series finale, giving the Phillies a boost as they chase the division lead.
Detroit will face a Phillies lineup missing its everyday center fielder, but Hill’s insertion provides a fresh look. The Tigers, still trying to climb out of a six‑game hole under .500, will aim to exploit any defensive lapses. Philadelphia’s offense, however, remains potent, and the team hopes to extend its recent winning streak.
Philadelphia’s recent form suggests the club can absorb a short‑term loss without derailing its push. The key will be how quickly Crawford recovers and whether the bullpen can hold the line in his absence. Fans will be watching the next day’s update closely, as the Phillies aim to keep the momentum from their recent win in Detroit.