Phillies place Harper, Schwarber on IL, expect quick returns
The league-best Phillies lost two key players Friday, as Philadelphia placed star sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list, the team announced Friday.
Harper suffered a left hamstring strain late in Thursday's game, while Schwarber sustained a left groin strain earlier in the same contest.
The Phillies don't expect either player to miss significant time due to their injuries, sources told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Manager Rob Thomson didn't rule out both players returning before the All-Star break, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Harper started limping as he ran to first while recording the final out of Thursday's loss to the Miami Marlins. He said postgame that he'd never "felt anything like this before" when describing the injury, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Marlins win as Bryce Harper limps off the field. pic.twitter.com/TLN3dqSzPs
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) June 28, 2024
Tests revealed that he suffered a low-grade hamstring strain, Gelb reports.
Harper's enjoying another stellar season as the anchor of Philadelphia's lineup, hitting .303/.399/.582 with 20 homers and 58 RBIs. On Thursday, the two-time MVP was named the NL's starting first baseman for July's All-Star Game, marking his eighth career selection.
Schwarber suffered his groin strain in a game in which he started in left field for just the third time this year. His injury is thought to be mild, per Gelb, and he could spend the minimum 10 days on the IL.
The 31-year-old owns a .250/.373/.447 slash line with 17 homers, 49 RBIs, and an NL-best 59 walks in 79 games this year.
The Phillies have withstood injuries to key offensive players this season, including All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, who's expected to be out until mid-July following knee surgery. Shortstop Trea Turner also missed six weeks earlier in the campaign.
Philadelphia reinstated infielder Kody Clemens from the 10-day IL and recalled outfielder Johan Rojas from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in corresponding roster moves. Clemens and Rojas are in the team's lineup for Friday's contest against Miami.