For the most part, the Philadelphia Phillies I have enjoyed impeccable health throughout this season.
The only major injury they suffered was Trea Turner’s hamstring strain, which sidelined him for about six weeks. Others had suffered a few bumps and bruises throughout the year, but it was nothing too concerning.
That changed when JT Realmuto had to undergo knee surgery, Spencer Turnbull and Taijuan Walker were placed on the injured list, and Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber joined them shortly after.
The Phillies have enough pitching depth to theoretically overcome injuries to Turnbull and Walker, but the absence of Harper, Schwarber and Realmuto for an extended period of time would substantially hurt the profile of this lineup as they look to stay atop the National League and win their division.
Knowing that Realmuto would be out for about a month recovering from his knee surgery, there was some fear that Philadelphia’s two star hitters would be out for a similar period of time.
Instead, they received good news when the manager… Rob Thomson said they could return before the All-Star break since they were not diagnosed with “serious” injuries.
Now, there is a possible return date for both Harper and Schwarber.
For the Phillies Official team pageThe earliest they could return to the field would be July 9.
Harper has been doing rehab work in the pool in hopes that it will allow him to recover from his hamstring and stay in playing shape when he’s not on the field. It seems like it’s much more likely that Schwarber will return on that date, as he shared that he expects to be back when he’s eligible to be activated.
Both have been an important part of Philadelphia this season.
Harper is in the mix for another MVP award and Schwarber has improved his batting average after receiving tons of criticism for his poor numbers the past two years.
It will be important to get them back, and it will certainly be welcome if both can return before the All-Star break.