The Philadelphia Phillies continue to roll as their MLB-leading 57-29 record speaks volumes about the rest of the league. Just like any other team through the gauntlet of 162 games, injuries have hit the Phillies hard so far, but they have repeatedly proved that their organizational depth is enough to overcome the adversity.
Some of the players the Phillies have relied on in the last couple of years when climbing themselves out of a hole are on the IL with overlapping missed time in the starting lineup.
Phillies News: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber injury updates, J.T. Realmuto ramping up
Some encouraging updates have been circulating regarding the three big impact bats the Phillies have been missing. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are all making good progress.
“I don’t think they’re too far away,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said, per MLB.com. Here are the latest updates on all three stars the Phillies can't wait to get back.
Bryce Harper doing everything he can to return to the field
Harper initially injured his hamstring sprinting down the first base line on the last play of the game on June 27. Since then, Harper was seen running on the field on Tuesday and Wednesday at Wrigley Field, adding to the progress he has made. Manager Rob Thomson has said there is a "good chance" that he could return before the All-Star break, due to the strain being mild.
The earliest Harper can return is July 9, and the Phillies want to take their time with his injury to avoid a possible disaster and another trip to the injured list.
He’s getting closer. Go @Phillies pic.twitter.com/9zzawZZ2zo
— Ruben Amaro, Jr. (@RAJr_20) July 3, 2024
Kyle Schwarber on pace for a minimum IL stint
In the same game that Harper was pulled, Schwarber felt tightness after planting his foot to make a throw in the eighth inning. It's unfortunate because it was one of the few times that Schwarber has played the outfield.
Schwarber also hit on the field in back-to-back days at batting practice. According to Thomson, Schwarber's injury is also mild and the slugger will likely be ready for the return date of July 9. The Phillies are missing their leadoff power hitter in the lineup and are excited to see him return to their All-Star lineup.
J.T. Realmuto starting to ramp up for a return?
Realmuto hit the IL after discomfort and pain led to proactive knee surgery on June 12. Per MLB.com's Paul Casella, Dave Dombrowski explained the reason for the procedure, "I think it's time that we get this thing done from what everybody's telling me."
Early signs are looking up. Realmuto made an appearance during on-field batting practice at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. This was his first on-field action since he went down. The timetable is looking more like a post-All-Star break July 19 date in Pittsburg against the Pirates. The Phillies sorely miss Realmuto, who was used as the two-hole hitter when Turner hit the IL.
The team could be clicking at a whole different level once Harper, Schwarber and Realmuto are reactivated and move back into the lineup for the second half.