Don Mattingly Appears to Leak Kyle Schwarber's MLB HR Derby Participation After Phillies' Win

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly seemingly revealed that slugger Kyle Schwarber will compete in the 2026 Home Run Derby when discussing Bryce Harper's participation in the event.

"I'm glad he's doing it, especially in Philly. Him and Kyle both, right?" Mattingly said when speaking to reporters on Thursday.

"Not sure on Kyle yet? Okay, I thought Kyle was going to do it," he added. "Maybe he's waiting to make sure everything's good."

Schwarber hasn't been part of the Home Run Derby since 2022.

He was also noncommittal regarding his participation in the 2026 event on Monday.

"I'm sure they'll want an answer from me here in the next day or so," Schwarber said, per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I just want to make sure I'm not putting myself in a risky position."

"You want to feel comfortable that you're going to be able to do it," he added.

While Schwarber has appeared in 90 of Philadelphia's first 94 games this season, he's been dealing with back tightness.

Considering the Phillies own a 52-42 record and are battling for positioning in the National League East standings, it's understandable that the four-time All-Star was taking a cautious approach with his health in order to help his squad get ready for a postseason push.

Schwarber might be making his return to the Home Run Derby, though.

He's continued to showcase his power at the plate this year, leading all MLB players with 32 home runs. Schwarber has also racked up nine doubles, 58 walks and 58 RBI while posting a .254/.369/.571 slash line.

While he's never won the Home Run Derby, he finished as the runner-up to Harper in 2018.