The Philadelphia Phillies are thrilled to welcome back two key players as they kick off their last home stand before the All-Star break. The Phillies are set to play a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and will have designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper back in the lineup.
Manager Rob Thomson, speaking to the media in Atlanta on Sunday, announced that Schwarber was set to return, but Harper’s status was still uncertain at that point. Phillies fans will undoubtedly be excited as both players are vital to the lineup.
To facilitate these returns, the Phillies made some predictable roster adjustments. Slumping outfielder David Dahl was designated for assignment after a precipitous drop in performance, and infielder Kody Clemens was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Dahl’s stint with the Phillies saw him start strongly with a .867 slugging percentage in his first 15 plate appearances following a call-up from Triple-A on June 3. However, he failed to maintain his form, plunging to a .163 batting average over his last 47 plate appearances. Clemens, on the other hand, had been filling in for Harper but only managed a .217 batting average in his seven-game stint.
The return of Schwarber and Harper, who were both out since June 28 due to minor injuries, is timely. Despite their short absence, the Phillies felt the impact missing two crucial parts of their batting order. Still, the team managed a respectable 5-4 record while they were sidelined and maintained an eight-game division lead.
Schwarber, who dealt with a mild groin strain, has had a robust season leading off with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. Harper, sidelined by a left hamstring strain, had been having an MVP-like season before his injury. He boasts a .303 batting average and 20 home runs and has been selected as the starting National League first baseman for the upcoming All-Star Game.
As the Phillies prepare for the Dodgers, the reinstatement of these power hitters promises a significant boost in their chase for a continued dominant season.
