The Philadelphia Phillies lost their series opener against the Chicago White Sox on Monday, just days before the trade deadline, emphasizing the final opportunity to make meaningful upgrades to the roster.
The Phillies seem nearly certain to add a high-leverage arm to their bullpen, which has been shaky and will be without Jose Alvarado for the playoffs following a suspension. But the team could also use an offensive upgrade, particularly in the outfield, as Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler have struggled at the plate.
“As the market starts to take shape, the lack of righty-hitting outfielders is jarring,” Matt Gelb wrote for The Athletic. “Desperation could lead to unconventional solutions.”
If the Phillies are unable to replace a current outfielder with a meaningful upgrade before the deadline, Gelb suggested the team could move designated hitter Kyle Schwarber into a corner spot. Schwarber played left field against the New York Yankees on Sunday but has not maintained a regular defensive position for the last two years.
When asked if moving Schwarber to left field for the final months of this season would be something he’s comfortable doing, Phillies manager Rob Thomson offered a clear two-word response.
“Oh, very,” Thomson replied, per Gelb.
“I mean, we did that in ’22,” the manager added, referencing the Phillies’ run to the World Series three years ago, per Gelb. “It worked out pretty well, and I think he’s moving better now than he did back then.”
Schwarber has been the Phillies’ most dependable slugger this year, hitting 36 home runs and driving in 84 runs. Doing anything to affect his production at the plate would be inadvisable. But if Schwarber is able to solve the Phillies’ offensive concerns by moving back to a regular defensive role, it could be the best move the team can hope for in its outfield with the trade deadline looming.
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