It’s Time For Philadelphia Phillies To Solidify Leadoff Spot, But How?

The Philadelphia Phillies came within two victories of a World Series title with Kyle Schwarber primarily in the leadoff spot.

It was a move manager Rob Thomson made out of necessity.

There were really no great options.

Schwarber captivated the passionate fan base by hitting a National League-leading 46 home runs. Those massive homers were truly incredible and the fans were soon donning Schwarber jerseys in the stands at Citizens Bank Park.

Schwarber had a high strikeout rate, but the Phillies came so close their first championship since 2008.

Fast forward to this season and the Phillies are struggling with injuries and a number of frustrating losses.

The lineup has been frequently changed by Thomson.

Schwarber recently went 0-for-19 with seven strikeouts in four games as the leadoff hitter. The Phillies lost each of those games.

Thomson then dropped Schwarber to fifth.

It’s time to leave him there.

And it’s also time for either Bryson Stott or Trea Turner to occupy the leadoff spot. Both players have speed, the ability to make consistent contact and speed on the base paths.

The Schwarber experiment worked during last season’s magical run.

But this is a new season with new players and lineup issues.

Let Stott and Turner go one-two in the lineup from here on out. It sounds simple. It is.

Without Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall, the Phillies need to manufacture more runs. They can’t solely rely on the home run ball.

If Thomson consistently puts out this lineup, it will benefit the Phillies in the long run.

When the Phillies open the first inning Friday on the road against the Colorado Rockies, it would be wise to have Stott and Turner at the top of the lineup.

Thomson is in charge. Let’s see what happens Friday night.

More From SI's Inside The Phillies: