Schwarber shines in his return to first base and hits his 25th home run with the Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Schwarber had a special night with the Philadelphia Phillies as he returned to play first base for the first time since 2021 and, furthermore, continued to demonstrate his power with the bat.

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Schwarber started at first base for the first time since his stint with the Boston Red Sox and responded by hitting his 25th home run of the season, leading the Major Leagues, during Philadelphia’s 8-2 victory over the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.

With that home run, Schwarber became just the fourth player in Phillies history to reach 25 homers in the team’s first 73 games, joining Ryan Howard, Jim Thome, and Chuck Klein.

His presence at first base allowed Bryce Harper to physically rest by serving as the designated hitter. Harper has been a constant piece for Philadelphia, participating in all 73 of the team’s games this season.

Interim manager Don Mattingly highlighted Schwarber’s versatility and explained that the move seeks to better manage the physical wear and tear of the roster.

In addition to Schwarber, another player who shined was Brandon Marsh, who was placed as the leadoff hitter for the first time in more than four years due to the absence of Trea Turner, who is injured in his right wrist. Marsh responded by getting on base at the start of the game and then hit a two-run home run in the second inning.

Although Turner could return for the end of the series, Marsh’s performance left an interesting option for the top of the batting order. Meanwhile, Schwarber continues to establish himself as Philadelphia’s main slugger and one of the biggest offensive threats in all of MLB.