PHILADELPHIA — There was nothing special about the swing, a quick and short burst against a 96 mph fastball over the heart of the plate. Kyle Schwarber crushes those pitches — especially in the first inning. After connecting off Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley, Schwarber turned to the Phillies dugout Tuesday night, gave them his signature thumbs-up, and began his trot.
It was the 14th time he has hit a leadoff homer this season. That is a Major League Baseball record.
Schwarber, a burly designated hitter, has defied most of the traditional prototypes for a leadoff man. The Phillies love him atop their lineup because he puts immediate pressure on the opposing pitcher.
Schwarber’s 14th leadoff homer broke Alfonso Soriano’s mark, which had stood since 2003.
A SCHWARBOMB FOR THE RECORD BOOKS#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/Pm2OTDPOOe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 10, 2024
But, two innings after his record swing, Schwarber injured his left elbow while sliding back to first on a pickoff attempt by Tampa Bay’s catcher. He was removed from the game in the fourth inning. The Phillies said Schwarber had left elbow discomfort and would be evaluated further.
He’s integral to everything the Phillies want to do. He has bashed seven homers in his last eight games. He has 35 home runs this season. He should reach 40 for the third straight season with the Phillies. If he does, only Ryan Howard would have more 40-homer seasons (four) in a Phillies uniform than Schwarber.
But no one has set a pace like Schwarber has at the very top of a batting order.
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(Photo: Derik Hamilton / Associated Press)
