Phillies’ lineup takes two big steps forward with the returns of Harper and Schwarber – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Phillies manager Rob Thomson knew he would have Kyle Schwarber available when he pulled out his lineup card for the series opener against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. After suffering a groin strain on June 27, he probably could have played a few days earlier, but according to the rules he would have to remain on the injured list for 10 days.

Bryce Harper, who suffered a hamstring strain in the same game Schwarber was injured, was a different story. When he called the first baseman Tuesday morning, he was eager to get an update.

“Topper called and I told him I was ready to go,” Harper said before the game.

And, just like that, the Phillies’ lineup took two giant steps toward full strength. The final missing piece, catcher JT Realmuto, is expected to return from arthroscopic knee surgery shortly after the All-Star break, if not sooner.

With their two powerful left-handers at the top of the order, the Phils went 5–4 and scored two or fewer runs five times. Harper, the National League Player of the Month for both May and June, is a strong candidate to win the third MVP award of his career. Batting .303 with 20 homers, 58 RBI and a .981 OPS.

Schwarber is coming off his traditional hot June, during which he hit .267 with 6 home runs and 14 RBI in 23 games. Overall, he has hit 17 homers, has an .820 OPS and leads the NL with 59 walks from the leadoff spot.

While Schwarber insisted he was 100 percent, Harper admitted he needed every one of the 10 days in baseball purgatory and had to be careful not to aggravate the injury.

“Obviously, I have to play smart this week,” he said. “Don’t be crazy, I would imagine. Try to do your best to get into the break. Do it right and have a great week. You’re not throwing away the cloak, you know? Just figuring out what I need to do to stay in the lineup.

Of course, Harper has a reputation as an extremely torpedo-like forward. So he was asked how difficult it would be for him to exercise restraint.

“Everyone knows what kind of player I am and how I do it. But, obviously, long term I just need to play smart this week,” he said.

Thomson said: “We haven’t said anything to him. In our mind, he can go 100 percent, otherwise he wouldn’t be playing. (But) if he wants to be cautious, I have no objection to that. Obviously, I will meet both of them every day. But if they are good in their mind, then I am good at it.

Schwarber said he is “itching” to get back and is also looking forward to Realmuto’s return. “Just being healthy in general,” he explained. “That’s the name of the game, isn’t it? You want to stay healthy for as long as possible. And hopefully after that last little speed bump we can finish this thing healthy and strong and see where we go.

To make room on the active roster, outfielder David Dahl was designated for assignment and infielder-outfielder Cody Clemens was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. If Dahl is not traded or claimed on waivers he may be re-signed.

The manager explained, “We are adding two left-handed bats and that will eliminate two left-handed bats.” “David was left with no choice. Cody, I told him I don’t see him getting much playing time right now. We want to continue that. We want them to continue to get regular representation. We want to focus a little bit more on left field for him to have it in his back pocket if we need to do that.

Clemens is expected to play 3-4 games a week for the Iron Pigs.

On deck: Matchups for the final two games of the Dodgers series: RHP Gavin Stone (9-2, 3.03) vs. LHP Christopher Sanchez (6-4, 2.96) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and TBA vs. RHP Aaron Nola (10-4 , 3.48) Thursday 6:05 pm

Then the Athletics come to Citizens Bank Park for the final three games before the break with RHP Ranger Suarez; Bishop Eustace grad RHP Tyler Phillips and RHP Jack Wheeler were on hand to end the first half. Phillips replaces Michael Mercado, who will move to the bullpen in the rotation.

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