Call to the pen
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Kyle Schwarber in midst of brutal postseason stretch for Philadelphia Phillies

By David Hill

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Phillies brought Kyle Schwarber on board to be a dangerous presence in the middle of their lineup.

He lived up to expectations this season. Schwarber posted a 130 OPS+ in his 669 plate appearances, belting a National League leading 46 homers. Although he was an extreme Three True Outcome case this season, Schwarber provided the Phillies with the pop they had been hoping for.

Philadelphia Phillies need Kyle Schwarber to heat up in postseason

That production has not followed to the postseason. Schwarber was 0-4 with three strikeouts out of the leadoff spot in Game Two, continuing his ongoing problems once the calendar turns to October. He does not have a hit in his last seven postseason games, his 31 plate appearances in that time tied with Dexter Fowler for the most of any player to have a seven game stretch in the playoffs with one or fewer hits. Stretching back to eight games and 35 plate appearances, he has just one hit, coming back in Game Three of the 2021 ALCS.

That one hit was naturally a home run. However, he has not been an extreme Three True Outcome player in the postseason, with just 11 strikeouts and one walk in that time. He has been putting balls in play, they just are not falling in with the frequency that anyone would expect.

Schwarber will have at least two more games to attempt to turn around his postseason struggles. The Phillies and Braves are tied at one game apiece in the NLDS and the series is heading to Philadelphia. He had produced an .810 OPS with 21 homers and 13 doubles in his 343 plate appearances at home, making it possible that he can snap out of his funk.

The Phillies will need him to do exactly that if they are going to overcome the Braves. Bryce Harper cannot carry the lineup alone, especially against the defending champions. Someone needs to step up and Schwarber, who has been hitting leadoff, would be the perfect option.

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Kyle Schwarber has had a brutal run in the playoffs over his past seven games. The Philadelphia Phillies need him to get on track soon.

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