Kyle Schwarber was left out of the Phillies’ starting lineup for the third straight game due to a stomach issue. Interim manager Don Mattingly said Schwarber is getting better, and the team could consider him for a pinch-hit role if he improves. Bryce Harper m
PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Schwarber didn’t take his usual place in the Phillies’ starting lineup for the third straight game, again left out of the Wednesday series finale at Citizens Bank Park against the Reds.
The reason is a stomach issue. Interim manager Don Mattingly said Schwarber is “getting better,” but the team wasn’t quite ready to put him back in the starting group. “We actually waited a while to do the lineup, but we’re still not quite there yet,” Mattingly said before Wednesday’s game.
Mattingly left the door open for a different role later. It’s possible Schwarber could be available to pinch-hit on Wednesday if he improves through the day.
Monday marked the first game Schwarber had missed since Sept. 11, 2024, ending a streak of 225 consecutive games played. The timing adds to the pressure for a player who has been one of the defining forces of the Phillies’ offense this season: Schwarber leads the Majors with 20 home runs. including nine homers in his past 10 games.
Bryce Harper took Schwarber’s spot at DH for the second time in Schwarber’s three-game absence. Harper returned to his usual No. 3 spot in the order. Adolis García moved up to hit second behind Trea Turner.
Mattingly explained the decision with an eye toward how Harper’s day-to-day routine fits into the lineup shuffle. “Just trying to give [García] a little boost. and try to get Bryce out of the two — I know he doesn’t like it. ” Mattingly said. “We try to do it sparingly. but since it’s extended past a day or two. just want to get him out of there and give him a different feel.”.
Whether Schwarber can return to the lineup will depend on how his stomach issue progresses between now and later in the game, and whether the Phillies feel comfortable using him as more than a spectator at home plate for the finale.
Kyle Schwarber Phillies Reds Citizens Bank Park Don Mattingly stomach issue Bryce Harper Adolis García Trea Turner pinch-hit