Phillies' Don Mattingly Shares Intriguing Kyle Schwarber Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 11:08 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has had an incredible season thus far, especially in the power categories. Through 89 games this year, Schwarber has put up a slash line of .254/.370/.575 with an OPS of .945, totaling 32 home runs and 58 RBIs. His .575 slugging percentage leads the National League and his 32 long balls are the most of any player in Major League Baseball.

Schwarber, along with slugging first baseman Bryce Harper , has helped the Phillies turn their season around after struggling to begin the year, which resulted in manager Rob Thompson being fired in April. Don Mattingly took over as interim manager after Thompson was fired.

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12), first baseman Bryce Harper.USA Today Network

On Thursday, less than one week before the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby takes place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Harper announced on his Instagram that he will be participating in the derby. He won the 2018 edition of the competition while playing for the hometown Washington Nationals.

After the Phillies' victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Mattingly was asked about Harper competing in the home run derby, and he may have leaked that Schwarber will also be taking part in the competition.

"Yeah, I am [excited], actually," he said. "I'm glad he's doing it, especially in Philly. Him and Kyle both, right? I thought Kyle was going to do it, but maybe he's waiting to make sure everything's good."

Will Kyle Schwarber be in the Home Run Derby? pic.twitter.com/JKDb3yBvXo
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 10, 2026

After the reporter told Mattingly that it was not confirmed whether Schwarber was competing in the derby, the interim manager seemed surprised as he thought his star designated hitter was going to be swinging in the competition.

Schwarber has competed in two home run derbies in his career, once in 2018, when he finished as the runner-up to Harper, and again in 2022.

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

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