Former Boston Red Sox slugger Kyle Schwarber was the National League's home run leader last season, and he's officially on the board for 2023.
Schwarber entered Tuesday night's Philadelphia Phillies-New York Yankees contest 1-for-17 with seven strikeouts to begin the campaign, but wasted no time launching his first home run, which marked a new career milestone for the 30-year-old.
In the first inning, Schwarber launched New York starter Domingo Germán's first offering to deep right field in Yankee Stadium, notching the 200th home run of his nine-year career. The no-doubter also gave the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead over the Yankees, who took Game 1 of their three-game set Monday night.
Last season Schwarber recorded a career-high 46 home runs during his debut season with the Phillies. He also slashed .218/.323/.504 with 21 doubles and 94 RBIs, earning himself his second career All-Star selection alongside a Silver Slugger Award after Philadelphia signed him to a four-year, $79 million contract.
During Schwarber's third at-bat, which also came against Germán, he delivered an RBI single, extending Philadelphia's lead to 4-0 after five innings in the books.
Philadelphia entered the contest 0-4, in search of its first victory of the season.
