Even before the unexpected news of Brandon Marsh’s knee surgery on Friday, the Phillies were shorthanded in the outfield. They are considerably leaner going into spring training now.

The Phillies are attempting to bolster that part of the squad since the rest is almost established. The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reports that the team was already involved in the free-agent market for fourth outfielders, but since no clear match has emerged thus far, it doesn’t appear like the news about Marsh will spur them on to pursue a match any more.

Johan Rojas is the clear favourite to start in centre field going into camp, but he won’t be assured of a spot until he proves himself. There are a few high-level options behind him. In addition to Weston Wilson and Kody Clemens seeing experience in the outfield this spring, Dombrowski mentioned that Cristian Pache and Jake Cave are the main alternatives to step in if necessary in the event that either Marsh or Rojas are unavailable. Most likely, they will be gazing in from the outside.

Although there isn’t much to work with, it’s difficult to add a fourth outfielder. Although there are other choices (Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall, and Whit Merrifield are just a few that Gelb listed), the Phillies don’t have many opportunities. Those and other more seasoned players want more guaranteed playing time, and the Phillies are unable to provide it. According to Gelb, Dombrowski acknowledged, “The majority of the people we’ve talked to wanted assurances that they’re going to play.”

It’s important to remember that Marsh’s projected schedule allows for a buffer of fewer than three weeks before Opening Day, so a setback might call into question his future. But regardless of Marsh’s preparedness, the Phillies will probably want to find a solution for the lack of depth.

Rojas has an even better chance of being in the starting lineup on Opening Day because of the Marsh injury, as Phillies Nation’s Destiny Lugardo noted. And a calm Phillies spring training could have just become even quieter, with the only significant roster uncertainty being the center-field situation.

Unless, naturally, they add something. However, they won’t be hitting the panic button if there isn’t one to make.

According to Gelb, Dombrowski answered, “We’re fine.” “We think we’re doing okay.”