Final Gator Alumni in MLB Playoffs Sidelined with Injury
Former Gator Harrison Bader is the only Florida alumni left in the MLB Playoffs. Bader, who played at Florida from 2013-2015, is currently a center fielder with the Philadelphia Phillies.
However, he is currently facing a setback after suffering a groin injury during the Phillies’ first game Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies are currently in National League Divisional Series after receiving a first-round bye. Bader’s injury occurred as he was running to second base during the fifth inning of Game 1. He played in the outfield for the next two innings before being subbed out. Los Angeles went on to win the game, 5-3.
During his three seasons at Florida, Bader excelled. He batted .313, scored 117 runs, adding 112 RBIs and 20 home runs. He also earned several SEC and NCAA honors and was a member of the NCAA College World Series All-Tournament Team in 2015. Bader was a major contributor to Florida’s postseason runs and helped the team win back-to-back SEC Championships in 2014 and 2015.
Bader was drafted in the third round by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 100th pick of the 2015 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017 and was their starting center fielder for five seasons. After Bader won a Golden Glove in 2021, the Cardinals traded him to the New York Yankees in 2022.
Since then, Bader has hopped around the league, playing one season each for the Yankees, Reds, Mets, and Twins. He was traded to the Phillies right before the 2025 deadline. Bader has been a solid player for the Phillies, who have struggled with consistency in centerfield. Bader posted a .305/.361/.463 slash line with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 50 regular season games in Philadelphia.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that there was no tear or strain, but Bader is not able to run at full capacity. It is unclear whether Bader will be able to play Wednesday in Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Category: Baseball, College Baseball, Former Gators, Gators Baseball, MLB, MLB Playoffs, SEC
