Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is definitely not your proverbial leadoff hitter.
He’s not the guy who’ll try to get on base any way he can, then maybe swipe a bag to get into scoring position, setting the table for the big bats to follow.
Schwarber is there because he’s the guy who can give the Phillies a quick lead with a flick of his powerful wrists.
That’s the way Phillies Manager Rob Thomson sums up Schwarber batting lead-off.
Stott works the pitcher, makes good contact and has speed on the base paths. Those are the traits of a lead-off hitter.
Since the return of star player Bryce Harper, Rob Thomson has moved Schwarber to the top spot in the order and dropped Stott down.
Schwarber entered tonight’s game with a .191 batting average. He has 7 home runs, 19 walks and has struck out 39 times in 117 at bats.
Stott has a .305 batting average. He has 41 hits, 10 runs scored, 6 walks and 3 stolen bases.
Phillies fans and local media are puzzled by the decision. It has been under much discussion and tonight, it’s trending on Twitter.
Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies. Photo courtsey of Sarah Stier/GettyImages
