Breaking News: Phillies hit with another major injury concern

The Philadelphia Phillies have had a busy few days as they face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series. On Monday, the excitement peaked when Roger Clemens watched his son Kody Clemens deliver a walk-off RBI single to right field in the bottom of the ninth, securing a 2-1 victory over the Rays. The following day, tempers flared, leading to a benches-clearing altercation after Nick Castellanos was hit by a pitch from Rays reliever Edwin Uceta.

Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber homered in both games, with his Tuesday blast making history. Schwarber launched a 437-foot shot to center field off a 96 mph fastball from Taj Bradley in the bottom of the first inning, setting a new MLB record with his 14th leadoff home run of the season.

However, Schwarber’s game on Tuesday ended early as he exited in the fourth inning with an elbow injury. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb on X, Schwarber sustained a bruised and hyperextended left elbow. Phillies manager Rob Thomson hopes to include Schwarber in the lineup for the series finale against the Rays on Wednesday, but the slugger will need to test his elbow before a final decision is made, as reported by Gelb.

Kyle Schwarber is powering the Phillies to new heights

 

 

After hitting a home run in the first inning on Tuesday, Schwarber walked in the third but is believed to have injured his elbow while diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt. Buddy Kennedy, who drew a crucial walk that set up Kody Clemens’ game-winning hit on Monday, took Schwarber’s place in the lineup.

Losing Schwarber would be a significant setback for a Phillies team that’s been coming together well. The 10-year veteran has been on a tear, hitting three home runs in his last five games and currently riding a nine-game hitting streak with seven homers, 13 RBI, and 12 runs scored. He even had a three-homer game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 3.

Schwarber has amassed 35 home runs, 95 RBI, 100 runs, and a league-leading 98 walks this season, along with an .859 OPS, a 140 OPS+, and 3.4 bWAR in 133 games for Philadelphia. His performance has been key to the Phillies’ standing as the top team in baseball.

With a 29-game advantage over .500, Philadelphia holds an eight-game lead over the second-place New York Mets in the National League East and is ranked second in the MLB Power Rankings. Fans are hoping Schwarber will avoid any extended time off as the team heads into the crucial postseason stretch.