The optimists kept pointing to that 2016 postseason, when Kyle Schwarber appeared seemingly out of nowhere after what was thought to be a season-ending knee injury to pop up and hit .412 in the World Series.
He could hit the ground running during that scenario, then certainly rediscovering his groove after 1 1/2 months off due to a hamstring injury would't be a problem.
But what the Red Sox have gotten from Schwarber through his first 10 games has to be considered above and beyond most expectations. It has become historic.
4 walks and a double for Schwarber pic.twitter.com/WcdrRSdngz
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) August 27, 2021
"It's just the quality of the at-bats," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora of his new No. 2 hitter. "He's always under control. He's so tight and he's always on time, his swing decisions are quote-unquote easy. He makes it easy on himself just getting down and seeing the ball. There were some close pitches and he doesn't even offer."
After 42 plate appearances, he is hitting .400 with a 1.205 OPS with 12 walks and 12 hits.
To top things off, it appears Schwarber is now ready to man first base, with the veteran playing his second career inning at the position in the ninth inning Thursday night.
It's the kind of fit the Red Sox were hoping for.
