If you’ve been wondering about Philadelphia Phillies radio analyst Larry Andersen’s absence, you’re not alone. The 71-year-old has been noticeably missing through the first two series of the 2025 MLB season. While Andersen has scaled back his schedule in recent years, as The Philadelphia Inquirer noted, there have been few complaints regarding the opposing team’s home run celebrations.
With Andersen out of the booth, former Phillies shortstop Kevin Stocker has taken over alongside Scott Franzke. Stocker, who began sharing the mic with Andersen in 2023, is now stepping into a larger role to start the season. Andersen has yet to accompany the Phillies on their trips; according to The Inquirer, he remains in Clearwater, Florida, recovering from bladder surgery he underwent during spring training.
He expressed to The Inquirer that he had hoped to return for the home opener, but his recovery has been slower than anticipated due to radiation treatment. Andersen is now aiming to be back in Philadelphia sometime next week. The Phillies will head to Atlanta after facing the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend, making it seem unlikely he will return in time to share his disdain for Marcell Ozuna’s theatrics. His usual schedule typically consists of mostly home games, but the good news is that he could be back in the booth as soon as April 14.
One of the last times Andersen was at Citizens Bank Park, he and Stocker threw out the first pitch before Game 1 of the NLDS, where the New York Mets defeated the Phillies in four games, clinching a 3-1 series win at Citi Field.
