Kyle Schwarber Sets Leadoff HR Record for Phillies but Injures Elbow

In a remarkable display of power, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber set the Major League Baseball single-season record for leadoff home runs, hitting his 14th of the year against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, he was pulled from the game in the fourth inning due to a hyperextended left elbow.

Schwarber’s historic moment came in the first inning when he launched a 1-0 fastball from Rays starter Taj Bradley 437 feet into center field. This stunning hit broke the previous record of 13 leadoff homers, which was set by Alfonso Soriano in 2003 while playing for the New York Yankees. The game ended with the Phillies triumphant, winning 9-4.

This home run marked Schwarber’s 35th of the season and his 45th career leadoff homer, with 32 of those hits occurring since he joined the Phillies in 2022.

Reflecting on his achievement, Schwarber shared, “It’s a cool thing. When you’re all said and done, whenever it’s over with, you can look back at all the cool things that happened in your career. It’ll probably be a little more enjoyable whenever I play my last game.”

Things took a turn in the third inning when Schwarber walked but appeared to injure his elbow while diving back into first base during a pickoff attempt by Rays catcher Logan Driscoll. He was subsequently substituted by Buddy Kennedy as designated hitter in the fourth.

“I didn’t feel pain or nothing,” Schwarber explained. “I kind of extended it and it was weird. I went down [to the batting cage] and took a swing and it didn’t feel good.”

Manager Rob Thomson was optimistic, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, he’s day-to-day. I’m going to put him in [tomorrow’s] lineup tonight and then we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”

During the game, Schwarber received treatment for his injury and noted some swelling; however, he reassured fans that there was nothing structurally wrong with his elbow. If he can manage the discomfort while swinging a bat, he hopes to participate in Wednesday’s series finale as the Phillies aim for a three-game sweep.

After facing a 17-game homer drought and managing just one homer in his prior 23 games, Schwarber has erupted recently, hitting seven home runs over his last eight contests, including three leadoff homers.

The 31-year-old currently leads the Phillies in home runs and RBIs with 95. He achieved a personal best in both categories in 2023, recording 47 home runs and 104 RBIs.

Throughout his 11th major league season, Schwarber is batting .251, supported by an impressive .869 OPS. He has consistently occupied the leadoff spot for the Phillies this season, playing in all 133 games he has started, despite missing ten days due to a groin strain in July.

Schwarber’s role as a leadoff hitter has sparked debate among fans and analysts throughout his career in Philadelphia, but his recent performance has quelled some of the criticism. He expressed confidence in his development as a hitter: “Looking at the way it’s gone throughout my career with not having success there to start and still … to kind of figure it out … I feel really confident with the way that I want to take my at bats. From seeing where I started to where I am now, I could definitely say I feel good about the adjustments I’ve made.”

Source: Associated Press