It had been three years since Kyle Schwarber played a competitive inning at first base. But that’s where Schwarber started the Phillies’ 7-7 tie with the Yankees on Thursday. It was his first time at the position since the 2021 postseason with the Red Sox.

Zack Wheeler offered a friendly warning on Thursday afternoon to Phillies first baseman Kyle Schwarber. “I just told him I wasn’t getting over there today,” the pitcher said about covering first base.

Phillies teams with Schwarber leading off have been successful, but it might be time to shuffle up that part of the lineup.

With a 95-67 record, the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League East in 2024. If the Phillies are going to defend their division crown this year, it is critical that they keep their stars healthy and on the field.