Kyle Schwarber Hit His MLB-Leading 25th Homer, But His Sudden New Position Has The League Talking
Alright, baseball fans, buckle up because Tuesday night was wild for the Phillies! Kyle Schwarber, the dude who just mashes homers, went deep again, notching his MLB-leading 25th dinger of the season in their 8-2 victory over the Marlins. That’s a massive number just 73 games in, making him only the fourth Phillie ever to hit 25 homers this early, alongside legends like Ryan Howard ('06), Jim Thome ('04), and Chuck Klein ('30). But here’s the real shocker: Schwarber was playing FIRST BASE!
Schwarber's Wild Ride to First Base
Yeah, you read that right, first base! This was Schwarber’s first start there since his Red Sox days in 2021. Think about it: a guy who’s been a full-time left fielder, then a primary DH, suddenly dusting off the first baseman's mitt. He even made his first out at first since Game 6 of the 2021 ALCS! Manager Don Mattingly admitted, "He does work there occasionally... he handles himself all right out there." This move was all about giving Bryce Harper, who’s played all 73 games and started 68 at first, a night off his feet as the DH. Schwarber's career at first is practically non-existent, with only 18 starts total, all from that 2021 stint. Mattingly's take: "These guys are baseball players... he's probably gonna have fun out there." It’s a bold move, but if it keeps Harper fresh, hey, maybe it works.
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Marsh Steps Up, Baldwin Goes Nuclear
Schwarber wasn't the only Phillie doing something unexpected. With Trea Turner sidelined by a right wrist contusion, outfielder Brandon Marsh stepped into the leadoff spot. He hadn't seen that spot in over four years, not since June 12, 2022, with the Angels. And what did he do? He worked a leadoff walk and scored in the first, then hammered a two-run homer in the second! Talk about making a statement. Marsh became the first Phillie this season not named Schwarber or Turner to hit leadoff, especially wild considering Turner’s struggles earlier in the year bumped him down to the two-hole. Mattingly was pretty nonchalant: "I haven't really thought much about that... But today it felt right."
Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, Drake Baldwin came off the IL and immediately reminded everyone why he’s a force. In his first plate appearance in nearly a month since straining his right oblique on May 18, he absolutely crushed a 473-foot leadoff homer against the Giants. Seriously, 473 feet! That’s the longest home run hit this entire season, landing in the shrubbery beyond center-field! His 14th homer of the year, third as a leadoff shot. This dude was already leading NL catchers in the All-Star Ballot, hitting .303 with 13 homers and a .932 OPS before his injury. The Braves, who had dropped four of their last five, desperately needed that boost. With Baldwin back as primary catcher and Sandy León as backup, maybe this is the spark their team needs.
What's Next?
For the Phillies, Trea Turner is expected back for Wednesday's series finale, so Marsh's leadoff stint might be short-lived. But for Schwarber, will we see more of him at first? That’s the big question. For the Braves, getting Baldwin's bat and leadership back behind the plate, especially after their recent skid, could be huge for their form moving forward. Player performance and emerging trends are definitely making waves!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.