Philadelphia Phillies: Dream starting lineup after the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
The Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup was supposed to win them a lot of games. One could argue it has but maybe not to the extent we had hoped for. Injuries, which have limited Bryce Harper to only 64 games, are one of the reasons for it. Much less talked about yet important is how Jean Segura has missed a lot of time, too.
The Phillies can get away without making too many trade deadline moves to improve their lineup. There are some obvious spots where they could use a boost. The chances of them making more than one, however, is slim.
Nevertheless, only the sandman can stop us from dreaming. And in a fantasy world, this is what a dream Phillies starting lineup would look like after the trade deadline. Keep in mind that this is within the realm of possibility.
Dream Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup: Kyle Schwarber, DH
Kyle Schwarber batting leadoff isn’t the most appealing thing in the world. It has worked, though. Why mess around? Having the home run threat at the top can have pitchers shaking in their cleats early. He’s also where he belongs as the team’s DH. This is a dream, remember?
Dream Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup: Jean Segura, 2B
Jean Segura should be back at some point in August, and hopefully, we get the best version of him. He was having a good year batting .275 for the club before landing on the IL after 44 games. The team has felt his absence at times, so getting him back and hitting second can get things stirring.
Dream Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup: Bryce Harper, RF
Even more important to return is Bryce Harper. Not only do the Phillies get his bat back in the lineup, but he is also able to play right field again. Let second-half Harper tear through the league and help the Phillies end their playoff drought.