Harper and Schwarber Hit IL; Phillies Turn to Clemens, Rojas

On Thursday night, the Phillies had not one, but two scares.  The first involved Brandon Marsh stepping into the on-deck circle for left fielder Kyle Schwarber.  Then, Bryce Harper grabbed his hamstring running to first base on the final play of the game.  Both scares have become full-on nightmares as both will hit the injured list.

The Phillies announced Friday afternoon that Schwarber was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.  Meanwhile, Harper was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

To replace them on the roster, Kody Clemens was reinstated from the 10-day injured list, and Johan Rojas was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  Clemens was in the starting lineup at first base on Friday night, while Rojas was in the starting lineup in center field.

Here is the good news:  Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that both players have avoided serious injury.  10 days would mean that each player would be eligible to return on July 9.   Of the two, Schwarber seems more likely to spend the minimum amount of time on the injured list.

Harper could take more time.  Gelb notes that he could add 10 more days by waiting until after the All-Star break to return.

Harper, of course, was the number one vote getter in the National League All-Star voting, and was elected to start at first base.  The All-Star game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16 in Arlington, Texas.

The Phillies lineup of course will be much different without Harper and Schwarber until activated.  But if the last week at Triple-A are any indication, both Rojas and Clemens could have hot bats.

Clemens played six games on a rehab assignment at Lehigh Valley.  He batted .308 with two doubles and two home runs in 26 at bats.  He spent some time working out in left field during his rehab.

Rojas, meanwhile, had 34 at bats since his demotion to Triple-A.  He batted .382 with one home run and RBI, with an OPS of .917.  But Rojas also began to use his speed.  He stole six bases during his time there, scoring six runs on the basepaths.  He had 34 at bats during his eight games for the IronPigs.

The Phillies have two games left against the Miami Marlins at home before traveling to Chicago for three against the Cubs and three in Atlanta against the Braves.  Then the Phillies have three at home against the Oakland Athletics and three against the Los Angeles Dodgers before hitting the All-Star break.

The Phillies maintain an 8 game lead ahead of the Altanta Braves in the National League East.