Phillies, Kyle Schwarber avoid worst-case injury scenario after loss

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is not expected to miss much time after all.

News about the Philadelphia Phillies almost went from bad to worse after the team fell to the Miami Marlins in Thursday’s series finale matinee at Citizens Bank Park.

The team being shut out by the 50-61 Marlins — and going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position — is one thing, but there was additional fear about the status of star outfielder Kyle Schwarber ever since he was removed early from the eventual 3-0 loss.

Schwarber drew a two-out walk in the fifth inning and was suspiciously replaced at first base by  Brandon Marsh. Some thought the Phillies substituted in the recently acquired outfielder for his speed on the bases, but it still seemed odd given they only trailed 1-0 at the time.

After the game, fans could breathe a sigh of relief. Interim Manager Rob Thomson shared with reporters that the two-time All-Star has a mild right calf strain, is considered day-to-day, and will be re-evaluated on Friday.

Some worried that Schwarber may have suffered a hamstring or oblique injury, which could have kept him on the injured list for much of the remaining regular season slate. It was worth noting that he was sidelined between early July and mid-August last season with a hamstring injury.

According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Amy Fadool, Schwarber said the injury has “lingered” for a little while — attributing the strain to the daily grind of the sport. The 29-year-old continued that he most likely will not play in Friday’s three-game road series opener against the New York Mets, but hopes to return as soon as possible afterward.

Schwarber is slashing .211/.314/.501 with 16 doubles, 34 home runs, 69 RBI, 59 walks, and 144 strikeouts through 109 games this season. He was one of the team’s two selected All-Stars for the 2022 Midsummer Classic, with the other being fellow slugger Bryce Harper.

Thankfully, it does not seem that Schwarber will not be sidelined for nearly as long as Harper has been. The sooner the both are healthy and back in the Phillies lineup, the better.