After a day of stressing, Philadelphia Phillies fans can finally breathe. Both Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber have been placed on the 10-day injured list, with the relieving news being that both have avoided potentially damaging injuries.
Phillies receive an injury scare
The Phillies fell to the Marlins on Thursday night but that was the least of their concerns. Bryce Harper suffered what he called a ‘tight hamstring’, stating that he’s ’never felt anything like this before’ causing some understandable panic. Only further complicating matters was some groin soreness for Kyle Schwarber who made a rogue appearance in the outfield.
All of a sudden, the hope surrounding this team quickly shifted into a state of uncertainty, with some fearing Bryce Harper’s injury in particular would keep him out not only for the All-Star game, but beyond that too.
Thankfully, it was just that
Matt Gelb reported on Friday that both players are hitting the 10-day injured list, which should allow fans to exhale safe in the knowledge that two of the biggest stars on the team have escaped the injury monsters’ claws this time around.
As far as replacements go, the Phillies appear to be turning back to Kody Clemmens and Johan Rojas.
Rojas was recently sent back to the minors following an impressive stint with the team. Nick Castellanos was extremely complimentary of the 23-year-old in a recent interview with Philly Sports Networks’ very own Alec Kostival:
“[he’s]definitely an extremely promising prospect and has a very bright baseball future.” He continued, “Everything that an organization and a team would want as far as talent and tools, he possesses.”
As for Clemmens, he played very well in relief of Trea Turner, batting .256 across 17 games, recording 10 hits and 3 home runs. He’ll get another chance to shine over the next couple of weeks.
While the injury news is obviously still unnerving, it could’ve been a whole lot worse. The Phillies are lucky that two of their biggest puzzle pieces should make quick recoveries and be back slugging it out at the Bank in no time.
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
