Injured Phillies slugger set to return Tuesday, manager Rob Thomson announces

07-05-2024
2 min read
Getty Images

The Philadelphia Phillies' lineup is about to become awfully scary for opposing pitchers again.

Bryce Harper (hamstring) and Kyle Schwarber (groin) were both placed on the injured list on June 28, putting a momentary damper on what has been an explosive season for Philadelphia's offense.

It's been widely assumed that the Phillies -- owners of the best record in Major League Baseball by two games entering Friday -- would be exercising extreme caution as they decided on how and when to reincorporate Harper and Schwarber.

When you're a series World Series contender like Philadelphia, it's not prudent to toy with the health of your most valuable players.

At the same time, Harper and Schwarber are two old-school gamers who have been itching to get back out there from the moment they were ruled out last week. Very few people know the nature of the conversations being had between Harper, Schwarber, and Philadelphia's medical staff, but it's easy to imagine both players advocating for activation sooner rather than later.

Now it appears that at least one of the two will be back in the lineup even sooner than expected.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thompson announced on Friday that Kyle Schwarber is set to be activated on Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb. 

Schwarber is having a powerful year, slashing .250/ .373/ .447 with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. He's also continued to serve as an emotional leader for the Phillies, along with Harper, who will likely be re-joining Schwarber on the diamond in due time.

More MLB: Phillies emerging as frontrunners for NL MVP in potential blockbuster trade