PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Schwarber grabbed his black Wilson mitt and trotted out to first base for pregame work on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. It was not a totally foreign sight. Schwarber has played the position 13 times in his career and twice this season with one start. But his presence in the infield before the finale of a three-game series against the New York Yankees might have been a preview of more to come.
The Phillies, as they’ve done once so far this year, could want Schwarber to fill in for Bryce Harper at first base soon, giving Harper a game as the designated hitter.
“We’ve talked about him playing some (first base),” interim manager Don Mattingly said, “at least enough to give Bryce a day off now and then, or a day off the field. So that’s all. That’s what’s happening right now.”
Mattingly said Harper has not asked for additional days off or anything like that. But strategically using Schwarber at first on certain days could help maintain Harper’s health and manage his workload; Harper has played in all 105 of Philadelphia’s games this season.
“To be honest,” Mattingly said, “I think the All-Star Game for him and Schwarb was — obviously an honor — not a great thing that you’re hitting in the Home Run Derby. You’re doing all that. Then we play on the third day, not get the extra day. I don’t think those are great things for those guys physically.”
The Phillies (56-49) have gone 2-6 out of the All-Star break versus the Dodgers and Yankees, and they have struggled to score runs. That might not be entirely surprising considering the state of their lineup. But the big guns who have carried the offense in 2026 have stumbled out of the gate. Harper is 4-for-28 with two doubles, a home run, three walks and 12 strikeouts. Schwarber is 6-for-29 with three doubles, a homer, three walks and 11 strikeouts. Outfielder Brandon Marsh, who played in the All-Star Game but did not participate in the Home Run Derby, is batting .111 since the break and seems to be a platoon player again now.
Referring to Schwarber and Harper specifically, Mattingly said he didn’t want to use the demands of All-Star Week as an excuse for down performances. But he does believe it’s had a physical impact on the pair of sluggers.
“I’m just saying it was a lot for them,” Mattingly said, “and naturally in Philadelphia, obviously the game here, guys both on this team, it’s different for them than it was for basically any other player.”
Phillies fifth-starter plans
Journeyman Brian Keller made his big-league debut in Saturday night’s Phillies loss, pitching three innings and allowing one run as a bulk reliever. The 32-year-old, after missing the entirety of 2024 and 2025 due to injury, held his own, albeit in a relatively brief outing. Philadelphia, without a set fifth starter on the roster, could use him once more in some capacity when the No. 5 spot comes up again, currently lined up for Friday in Baltimore.
“He’s still here,” Mattingly said, “so that gives you some sort of insight on what we’re thinking.”
As Mattingly alluded to, the Phillies could have sent out Keller and added a reliever if they intended to go in another direction. But nothing is set in stone yet, and the plans are subject to change. But the fifth spot in the rotation will come up one more time before the trade deadline — unless the Phillies skip it — and it sounds like Keller will help fill it.
Injury note
- Left-hander Tanner Banks (forearm strain) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Saturday. He is still not throwing for another week, but Mattingly said he expects the reliever to return to action this season. He’s eligible to be activated on Sept. 7.
