In a recent turn of events, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after experiencing discomfort during a workout in Arizona earlier this week. This unexpected development has prompted the Phillies to evaluate their outfield depth ahead of the upcoming season.

According to Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, Marsh's surgery took place on Friday morning and was performed by a team doctor in Philadelphia. While the team remains confident that Marsh will be ready for Opening Day, he is expected to miss a significant portion of spring training.

The timing of Marsh's injury emphasizes the Phillies' concern over their outfield depth. Prior to Marsh's surgery, the team had already questioned whether Johan Rojas was prepared to assume a full-time role in 2024. Despite entering the offseason with outfield needs, the Phillies have not acquired any outfielders, not even on a minor-league contract, raising questions about their contingency plans.

As it stands, the center-field position will likely be Rojas' to lose during spring training, with Jake Cave and Cristian Pache serving as reserve outfielders. In the event of a regular-season injury, the Phillies would likely rely on a platoon to fill the void.

Throughout the offseason, the Phillies have explored the free-agent market for additional outfield options. However, Dombrowski stated that Marsh's surgery has not altered their approach in finding suitable candidates. Many free agents, including Eddie Rosario, Robbie Grossman, Adam Duvall, and Michael A. Taylor, remain available, but the Phillies have yet to find a match. The team has reportedly pitched the idea of a fourth outfielder role, offering limited playing time with sporadic at-bats, to potential free-agent targets.

Dombrowski expressed openness to exploring both guaranteed deals and minor-league contracts as they continue to monitor the outfield market. The team is keeping an eye on various players who could still provide upgrades to their current roster.

Meanwhile, Weston Wilson and Kody Clemens will receive opportunities in the outfield during spring training, as planned by the Phillies even before Marsh's surgery. The team recently removed outfielder Símon Muzziotti from the 40-man roster, although his chances of cracking the depth chart were slim.

Looking back at the 2023 season, the Phillies enjoyed relatively good health in the outfield, with Marsh, Nick Castellanos, and Kyle Schwarber each starting 100 games. Prior to that, the team had only achieved consecutive seasons with three outfielders making 100 starts once in the last 40 years.

Dombrowski attributed Marsh's injury to a stray piece of cartilage that moved into a troublesome area of his left knee. Fortunately, the Phillies estimate that Marsh will be able to return to play in three to four weeks, providing enough time to be ready for the season opener if needed.

While Schwarber is primarily slotted as the team's designated hitter, Dombrowski hinted that he could potentially fill in at left field if necessary. The Phillies, however, would prefer to find a more suitable solution to their outfield concerns before the season begins.

As the Phillies continue their search for additional outfield depth, the possibility of resolving the issue in the coming weeks is not out of reach. Dombrowski acknowledged that such situations often develop later in the spring when more players become available for potential signings.

With Marsh's surgery now behind him, the Phillies will focus on shoring up their outfield depth to ensure a strong and reliable roster for the upcoming season.