Multiple injuries have plagued the Philadelphia Phillies recently. Catcher J.T. Realmuto had knee surgery on June 12 and will not return until after the All-Star break. Pitchers Taijuan Walker (right index finger inflammation) and Spencer Turnbull (right lat strain) went on the club's injured list also. The former will be unavailable until following the All-Star break while the latter will be out until late August.
Philadelphia suffered two other tough breaks during their June 27 contest against the Miami Marlins. Designated hitter/left fielder Kyle Schwarber left the contest with a left groin strain. First baseman Bryce Harper is dealing with a left hamstring strain. The good news is both could tentatively return on July 9 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Before then, the Phillies need to get by without two key left-handed hitters in Harper and Schwarber. Entering the club's series finale versus the Marlins on Sunday, Philly only tallied four runs in the first two games combined without them.
Let's look at three players who need to step up after the Harper and Schwarber injuries.
Kody Clemens
Kody Clemens has done well as a utility player in a reserve role for the Phillies. He missed most of June with low back spasms but there was an opening on the roster with the latest injuries to Harper and Schwarber.
The native of Houston, Texas has a .261/.292/.587 line and a .879 OPS in 20 contests heading into Sunday’s game. Manager Rob Thomson will utilize Clemens where needed to keep him in the lineup especially if he does well offensively.
Philly has been reluctant to place outfielders Cristian Pache and David Dahl on waivers since they risk losing them to another ball club. However, a good showing by the 28-year-old utility player will work in his favor at returning to Philly at some point this season if he is sent down next week to play with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.