Philadelphia Phillies Have One Option When It Comes to Slumping Schwarber
In this story:
Kyle Schwarber proved his value last season for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite being pressed into hitting leadoff for most of the regular season, he finished with a National League-leading 46 home runs. The Phillies dealt with Schwarber’s .218 average and 200 strikeouts because of his ability to hit for power.
In 2023, Schwarber has 12 home runs and 25 RBI.
But he’s hitting a miniscule .166.
That’s an unacceptable average even for the power Schwarber provides.
It begs this question: Is Schwarber healthy?
This is just an opinion but Schwarber doesn’t look anywhere near 100 percent in left field. There have also been at-bats where it seems as if Schwarber’s knees aren’t quite right.
He looks a bit off balance.
Manager Rob Thomson disagrees.
“He’s starting to get it,” Thomson said.
Yes, Schwarber has barreled some balls right at fielders. Batting averages don’t lie. Schwarber just hasn’t been as productive as last season. You can see it.
If Bryce Harper had been able to play right field all season, that would have likely shifted Nick Castellanos to left. And Schwarber would be the designated hitter instead of Harper.
Schwarber has been noticeably limited defensively in left. He’s making all the necessary plays, but when he has to run down a shot in the corner, his limitations are visible.
A few extra days rest here and there will help somewhat but it won’t solve the problem.
Plain and simple, if the Phillies harbor another deep postseason run they’ll need Schwarber to elevate his offensive level of play.
Right now, it’s unclear if that’s going to happen.
A full on recalibration and a potential lengthy benching may be the solution.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
- How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
- Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
- Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
- Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
- Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
- Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
- Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
- Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup
