June Schwarber has arrived at just the right time

The Philadelphia Phillies currently sit with a nice lead in the National League East. Despite dealing with injuries, the club has been resilient. Given Tuesday's news that catcher J.T. Realmuto will be sidelined due to meniscus surgery, players will have to continue to step up.

Luckily for the Phillies, they have a sizable lead in the division, their pitching staff has been lights out, and it is June. As Phillies fans know, June has been the time of year when Kyle Schwarber likes to emerge as one of the game's most prolific power hitters.

June Schwarber has arrived at just the right time

The beginning of June was atypical for Schwarber as he struggled prior to Tuesday night's victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. However, in the 4-1 Phillies victory, the designated hitter slugged two home runs, his 12th and 13th of the year. Both homers left the bat at over 110 mph and traveled over 420 feet.

“For me, like I've always said, it's just putting in that work and being consistent and making some adjustments,” Schwarber said after the game, per MLB.com's Paul Casella. “ ... I feel like it's starting to feel better and better.”

According to Casella, Schwarber has become the most efficient home run hitter in June in AL/NL history. He's averaging a home run every 10.4 at-bats, moving ahead of Babe Ruth.

In 689 career plate appearances in June — which amounts to almost a full season — Schwarber has an OPS of .928 with 57 home runs and 128 RBI. All of those stats top any other month over the course of the slugger's career.

The Phillies could use a hot Kyle Schwarber with Realmuto on the IL

Hopefully, another torrid month is on the horizon for Schwarber, as Realmuto will be out until likely after the All-Star Break. The offense could use a Schwarber hot streak to help replace the catcher's bat.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson spoke about his club's resiliency and ability to bounce back prior to Tuesday's contest, per Casella: "Every time somebody goes down, somebody steps up. And I'm expecting the same thing this time."

If Schwarber can maintain a hot bat, the Phillies may be able to stave off the bad news of the Realmuto injury, as shortstop Trea Turner is progressing nicely from his injury and could return soon, along with outfielder Brandon Marsh.

The Phillies lineup has been overshadowed a bit by the stellar performance of the starting rotation and bullpen. Despite losing some key players and some early-season slumps, the offense ranks fourth in runs scored in Major League Baseball entering Wednesday's game in Boston.

If Schwarber can go on another tear like he has the last few Junes, the Phillies lineup will be that much more potent.