Veteran David Dahl is setting himself up for big league opportunity

David Dahl has produced in Triple-A. (Cheryl Pursell)

Veteran outfielder David Dahl has lit up the Lehigh Valley at the plate this season, producing at a level that could have him on the verge of a major-league call-up.

Dahl, 30, has mashed 12 home runs in 43 Triple-A games with a 1.076 OPS in his first season in the Phillies organization. And with left fielder Brandon Marsh exiting Sunday night’s game with a hamstring strain, Dahl could be on his way to Philadelphia soon as a potential replacement.

A former first-round pick and top prospect for the Rockies, Dahl spent 2016 to 2020 in Colorado (while missing the 2017 season). He had an All-Star year in 2019, but battled injuries throughout his tenure. After an underwhelming 2020 season, the Rockies non-tendered him. He then bounced around the Rangers, Brewers, Nationals, Padres and Dodgers organizations, making brief major-league stops for Texas and San Diego.

Dahl signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies for 2024, and has made the most of his opportunity so far. He’s slashing .340/.416/.660 for the IronPigs (with all three marks leading the team among players with at least 10 games played), his team-leading 12 home runs rank eighth in the International League and he even hit for the cycle last month. He’s been on the field and has made an impact with his bat.

The Phillies have yet to provide an update on Marsh’s timeline with his injury, but a hamstring injury could put him on the injured list. Shortstop Trea Turner has been out since May 4 with a hamstring strain of his own. Of course, the severity of Marsh’s injury is not yet known publicly, but there’s a decent shot he’ll have to miss some time. In that case, Dahl could be the left-handed-hitting replacement for the Phillies outfield.

Dahl is not on the 40-man roster, but the Phillies could move either Michael Rucker or Luis F. Ortiz to the 60-day IL to create spot after doing the same with right-hander Dylan Covey on Saturday.

Weston Wilson, who spent time with the Phillies last season and can handle the corner outfield, and Jordan Luplow are other options with the IronPigs to take Marsh’s spot if he joins the injured list. So even if Dahl is not promoted immediately, he could force the Phillies’ hand if he continues to hit like he has.