Why isn't Kyle Schwarber playing tonight? Phillies 20-HR slugger sitting vs. Reds

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Why isn't Kyle Schwarber playing tonight? Phillies 20-HR slugger sitting vs. Reds originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off an incredible series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where the team executed a sweep featuring a Cristopher Sanchez complete game shutout, a wild comeback, and Kyle Schwarber reaching 20 homers on the year.

While he went homerless through Games 2 and 3, Schwarber's production in Game 1 of the Pirates series helped keep the team alive and in striking distance of an incredible comeback.

However, in the first game of the series against the Cincinnati Reds back at Citizens Bank Park, Schwarber isn't in the lineup. Why? MLB.com's Paul Casella revealed the reason why, and it's not one fans should panic over.

Why Kyle Schwarber is out tonight vs. Reds​

"Kyle Schwarber just woke up not feeling well today," Casella reports. "They'll determine later if he's potentially available off the bench, if needed."

Schwarber isn't starting against the Reds due to an illness that he woke up with on Monday morning.

This isn't an injury, which would've been a much bigger concern for the team and the fans. There's even a chance that Schwarber gets into the game tonight if needed and he's feeling well enough.

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Instead of Schwarber at designated hitter, the Phillies will give Bryce Harper a rest day by slotting him in as the DH, with Alec Bohm moving to first base and Edmundo Sosa playing third base.

This works out nicely, as the lefty Nick Lodolo is on the mound for the Reds. The Phillies will be running a righty-heavy lineup, with Otto Kemp over Brandon Marsh, the other notable change for the lineup.

The absence of Schwarber does sting, but that doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, as illnesses typically don't force players to miss for long.

Schwarber is out of the lineup tonight against the Reds due to an illness. He might get into the game if needed, which is a good sign that this illness won't be a serious issue.

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