Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber return to Phillies' lineup Tuesday against Dodgers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 17: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Bryce Harper #3 after hitting a two run home run in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on June 17, 2024 in Philadel
PHILADELPHIA - Phillies fans rejoice as sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are back in the lineup after injuries.
The Phillies made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, in advance of a home stretch, beginning with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Both Schwarber and Harper suffered injuries in the ninth inning in a game against the Miami Marlins June 27th.
Harper suffered a hamstring strain to his left leg. He felt his left hamstring tighten as he was running to first base on the final play of the game. He clutched at the back of his leg and briefly fell to the ground after crossing the bag. Even though the Phillies challenged the call on his groundout, Harper didn’t wait for the result of the replay review and immediately limped down the tunnel.
Schwarber felt tightness in his groin while making an awkward throw from the outfield in the top of the ninth. Usually the Phillies' designated hitter, Schwarber was playing in the field for only the third time this season.
"I reached down to grab the ball barehanded and kind of planted for the throw and felt it grab," Schwarber said. "I thought it was just a cramp at first and I finished the inning. But, as I was running in (between innings) I could still kind of feel it, so I talked to the trainer and he didn’t like where the spot was … so he wanted to get me out of there."
Along with Harper and Schwarber, outfielder David Dahl was designated for assignment July 8th and infielder Kody Clemens was optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley Tuesday.
Tuesday night Harper and Schwarber made their return and their presence was certainly felt in the Phillies' line up with a 10-1 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It’s not even the All-Star break, and it was a playoff-type atmosphere outside of Citizen’s Bank Park.
"It’s hot because the Phils are going to be cooking on this home stand. So we had to dress appropriately" said Phillies fan Chase Ulrich, who was sporting a Phillies chef’s hat, apron and oven mitt.
Phils fans got the news a few hours before game time that Harper and Schwarber were returning to begin the 3 game home stand.
It was definitely a hot night in South Philly, but it was raining home runs, including a 4th inning grand slam by Trea Turner.
The Phils led the entire game against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers in some think could be a preview of the National League Championship.
For blind Phillies fan and photographer Brandon Moore, coming to a game means listening, not watching.
"I get to listen and enjoy the roar of the crowd, so I got to enjoy it that way." said Moore.
And the Phils aren’t the only things that are hot. It was a scorcher at the Bank where we clocked temperatures over 110 degrees on the field before the game.
"Is that how hot it is outside? Could be a lot better. Could be a lot cooler. Take it down another 30 degrees and it will be great" said Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering, when he was shown a thermometer on the field reading 110 degrees.
For fans, they looked for any way to keep cool. A Phillies win helped!
Phillies fan Robin Milhouse-Moore came to the game wearing a portable fan around her neck.
"I am wearing this because I do not do well in the heat. I do not like the summer. I’m a fall girl and this is going to keep me sane today" said Robin Milhouse-Moore.