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Phillies Scratch Home Run Leader Kyle Schwarber Due to Lower Back Tightness Before Nationals Game
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, the current MLB home run leader with 29 homers, was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Washington Nationals due to lower back tightness. The decision was made about five minutes before game time, with Edmundo Sosa stepping in as his replacement. Schwarber had hit three home runs over the weekend against the Mets but went hitless in Monday's loss.
Quick Facts
Who
Kyle Schwarber
What
scratched from lineup
When
Tuesday night
Where
Washington, D.C.
- scratched from lineup
- lower back tightness
- replaced by Edmundo Sosa
- announcement five minutes before game
- Kyle Schwarber
WASHINGTON (AP) — Major league home run leader Kyle Schwarber was scratched from the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup due to lower back tightness just minutes before Tuesday night's game against the Washington Nationals.
The announcement that the team's designated hitter would not play came approximately five minutes before the first pitch. Edmundo Sosa, from Panama, replaced Schwarber as the starting designated hitter and was also set to bat leadoff.
Schwarber, who leads the majors this season with 29 home runs, was coming off a prolific weekend series against the New York Mets, during which he hit three home runs on Saturday and added another on Sunday. However, he struggled in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Nationals, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.
The 29-year-old slugger's status for the remainder of the series is uncertain. The Phillies are expected to provide further updates on his condition ahead of Wednesday's game. Schwarber's absence is a notable blow to Philadelphia's lineup as they continue their series against Washington.
Sosa, typically a utility infielder, has shown versatility this season and was called upon to fill the DH role at short notice. The Phillies will hope for a swift recovery for Schwarber, whose power hitting has been a key driver of the team's offense this season.
Topics
Why This Matters
Schwarber is the NL MVP candidate and the Phillies' offensive engine; his absence weakens the lineup significantly. Fantasy managers and bettors should monitor his status closely, as back issues can linger. Sosa's unexpected DH role could also impact lineup construction for future games against the Nationals.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 20, 2026
WireSchwarber hits three home runs against New York Mets
Jun 21, 2026
WireSchwarber hits home run against New York Mets
Jun 22, 2026
WireSchwarber goes 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in 4-1 loss to Nationals
Jun 23, 2026
WireGame between Phillies and Nationals starts with Edmundo Sosa replacing Schwarber
Jun 23, 2026
WireAnnouncement that Kyle Schwarber was scratched from Phillies lineup due to lower back tightness