The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for answers less than one week into the regular season. Although it is early, Philadelphia sits in last place in the National League East, a disappointing start for a team aiming to win the division for a third straight year.
What is most concerning is how the top of the order has struggled. First baseman Bryce Harper, who was criticized by Dave Dombrowski, the team's president of baseball operations, this past offseason, has opened the year with one hit in 18 plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber, who finished second in NL MVP voting last season and signed a new five-year $150 million deal this winter, has two hits in his first 18 trips to the plate.
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With the Phillies suffering another rough loss at home on Monday against the Washington Nationals, the team is now considering a change that could be good news for Harper.
Ahead of Tuesday’s game, the second of a three-game set, the Phillies had Schwarber taking ground balls at first base. Schwarber has never played first base professionally, spending his defensive innings almost exclusively in left field before becoming a full-time designated hitter.
But with him now taking reps at Harper’s primary position, the move could work in Harper’s favor. Philadelphia is not going to remove Harper from the lineup entirely, no matter how much he struggles. He is still in the midst of a 13-year $330 million contract, and benching him would make little sense, especially given the tension that surfaced this offseason.
However, if Schwarber becomes comfortable enough to handle first base even once per week, it could give Harper something he has rarely had: the chance to reset during slumps without being taken out of the lineup.
It would also allow Harper to get off his feet and focus solely on his approach at the plate by slotting in as the designated hitter on days Schwarber plays the field. It is a significant adjustment, but if Philadelphia’s struggles continue, manager Rob Thomson appears set on exploring any option that helps maximize production.
The Phillies built this roster to contend deep into October, and finding the right balance between their two most productive hitters may be one of the early keys to stabilizing their season.
