Don Mattingly Announces Kyle Schwarber News After Removal From Phillies Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated May 18, 2026 5:20 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has continued to dominate in his 12th MLB season. The 33-year-old left-handed slugger re-signed with the Phillies this past offseason on a five-year, $150 million deal, which is an expensive price to pay for a player whose value comes almost entirely in the batter’s box.

Still, it is hard to argue it has not been worth it, and it is even harder to imagine what this Phillies team would look like without Schwarber.

He has posted a .230 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .980 OPS, 20 home runs (leads MLB) and 36 RBIs. He has once again been the best hitter in the lineup and is well on his way toward earning his fourth career All-Star selection.

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12)© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

After Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Phillies improved to 24-23, sitting above .500 for the first time since early April. They have now won four straight games.

However, ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, Schwarber’s name was noticeably absent from the lineup. This marks his first time being out of the starting lineup for the Phillies since 2024.

During his 2025 campaign, when he finished second in National League MVP voting, Schwarber appeared in all 162 games, and this year he had appeared in the first 47 for Philadelphia.

Speaking with reporters before the game, interim manager Don Mattingly announced that Schwarber is dealing with an illness. The team will continue to monitor his condition before deciding whether he is available off the bench (h/t Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation).

Kyle Schwarber is sick, Don Mattingly said. He’s at Citizens Bank Park, and Phillies will see how he feels as the day goes.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) May 18, 2026

If Schwarber does not make a pinch-hit appearance, it will snap his consecutive games played streak. In his absence, the Phillies opted to slot Bryce Harper at designated hitter.

At Harper’s usual spot at first base, the Phillies turned to Alec Bohm, who is making his first start at the position since 2025. There is no reason to push Schwarber if he is not at full strength so early in the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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