Kyle Schwarber fills box score in win over Cards

Schwarber opened the game with a bang, crushing a 2-0 fastball from Taj Bradley for a 369-foot solo shot, giving the Phillies a lead they would never relinquish. He added to that lead in the fourth inning with a 355-foot two-run shot that hit off of the outstretched glove of right fielder Luke Keaschall. Schwarber has now clubbed an MLB-leading 37 home runs on the season, and his six multi-homer games are tied with Rockies’ catcher Hunter Goodman for the most in MLB. He’s slashing .250/.371/.544 with the aforementioned 37 homers and 72 RBI in what has been another exceptional offensive campaign.

Schwarber hadn’t homered since July 18, but his two long balls on Sunday tied him with Yordan Alvarez for the MLB lead at 35. He also regained sole possession of the National League lead. The veteran DH is striking out quite a bit more than usual this season, which is something to monitor as he approaches his mid-30s. However, he still has his power stroke and remains capable of getting hot at the plate down the stretch.

Schwarber draws an extremely rare start at the cold corner with Alec Bohm taking a seat in this one. The 33-year-old veteran slugger will be making just his third appearance at the spot this season. He’s highly unlikely to see enough action there over the final two months to pick up eligibility there in most fantasy leagues.

The Phillies are facing a lefty opener tonight, but the lineup looks more like it would against a righty, with Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott and Justin Crawford all included. Arraez is more used to hitting first or second than cleanup, but no one is better equipped to single in a guy from second base. The Phillies are keeping Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner at the top for now.

Schwarber made it back into Philadelphia’s lineup following a two-game absence due to illness earlier this week.

Schwarber missed Tuesday and Wednesday with the illness, but is ready to go tonight after a brief two-game absence.

Schwarber continues to deal with a gastrointestinal issue that has now kept him out of the lineup for two games. The Phillies could really use his bat in the lineup right now. Trea Turner will DH on Wednesday with Edmundo Sosa playing shortstop and batting ninth.

Schwarber is dealing with a gastrointestinal issue and will return to Philadelphia’s lineup once he’s feeling better at some point this week. Bryce Harper takes a turn at designated hitter with Alec Bohm moving to first base and Edmundo Sosa entering the lineup at third base.

Schwarber’s home run was his 33rd of the season. He hit a two-run shot off Sean Manaea in the first inning. Schwarber now has three home runs in 13 games in July. He’s hitting .255 with a .935 OPS and 61 RBI.

Schwarber’s defining characteristic is an uncanny ability to thrive under pressure, somehow always finding his swing and locking in on the biggest stages in baseball. The 33-year-old entered as the overwhelming favorite in his home ballpark and managed to overcome a frosty start to narrowly advance to the semifinals before outlasting former teammate Willson Contreras to reach the final round. He homered on seven of his first 10 swings in the finals and finished with a whopping 11 on 15 swings. It took a herculean effort from Cardinals emerging star Jordan Walker, who homered on each of his final six swings to pull off an incredible comeback.