Phillies’ Don Mattingly Points To Kyle Schwarber Strikeouts As He Sits Out

BusinessSportsMoneyPhillies’ Don Mattingly Points To Kyle Schwarber Strikeouts As He Sits OutByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 07:00am EDTPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 28: Don Mattingly, interim manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, looks on after a 7-0 win against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies are enjoying a dramatic turnaround after a change at the helm, but it is being powered by a group of familiar faces.Since the Phillies replaced long-time manager Rob Thomson with new bench coach Don Mattingly, they have rattled off the best record in the National League. But on the surface, at least, Mattingly hasn’t made many big changes and the roster has stayed largely the same in recent years. Even during this latest surge, the team’s offense is still being powered by Kyle Schwarber, who was the team’s MVP Award candidate last year before signing a new contract to return.“Schwarber, even in his early 30s, has taken his offensive game to a whole new level. In 2025, Schwarber exploded with 56 home runs, a new career high,” Ian Miller wrote for Fox News. “Through the first 46 games of the 2026 season, he might be on his way to an even more impressive and historic number. Remarkably, Schwarber's already hit 20 home runs through his first 46 games. Through 162 games, that would put him on pace for 70 home runs in 2026.”ForbesBlue Jays’ Bo Bichette Replacement Send 4-Word Yankees MessageBy Peter ChawagaPhiladelphia Phillies Superstar Slugger Kyle Schwarber Removed From LineupOne key to Schwarber’s production over the last few seasons has been his consistency in the lineup. Going into this week, he had an impressive streak of 225 consecutive games played.But then, due to an...