Philadelphia Phillies' Star Slugger Scratched After Picking Up Injury
The Philadelphia Phillies were hoping to get through the spring exhibition and rump up period in 2024 without having injuries.
Of course, that's wishful thinking as players start getting their bodies' ready for the upcoming season and pick up some issues here and there as they get used to baseball activities again.
To start, Brandon Marsh had to undergo knee surgery, but he's returning to the lineup in the March 13 Spring Training game after getting through the necessary rehab steps.
Unfortunately, as they get their young outfielder back, another important piece has picked up an injury.
Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Kyle Schwarber was scratched from the game with tightness in his right groin and has been listed as day to day.
For the Phillies, this is not ideal news.
After being without Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins for Opening Day last season, they were hoping to have their full squad available at the start to begin the year strong.
This would allow them to make a run at the NL East division, unlike in 2023 when the Atlanta Braves completely dominated.
Schwarber has been a hot topic of discussion in Philadelphia.
He's hit the second-most home runs in Major League Baseball the past two years, trailing only Aaron Judge (99) by six homers.
The slugger is a dominant power hitter, but has a batting average of .207 in his two seasons with the Phillies and has struck out the most times out of any player in the league.
Still, the offense is prolific with him in it.
Not having him available takes a huge threat out of their lineup.
It seems like scratching Schwarber from a Spring Training game is just precautionary as he might just be sore from playing in the outfield.
With a day to day designation, he has a good chance of being available for Opening Day.
