Philadelphia Phillies Provide Massive Update on Star Bryce Harper
With the second half of the season starting on Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies have provided a major update on superstar Bryce Harper.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Friday that Harper could play first base "possibly" as soon as this weekend, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Harper is at designated hitter Friday against the Padres, but it sounds like he could be at first base during Saturday's doubleheader or Sunday. It would be the first start he's made at the position as a pro, as the Phillies have opted to ease him back to field action there rather than right field following last year's Tommy John surgery. Harper missed the final game before the All-Star break after being hit on his surgically repaired elbow by a pitch, but tests came back clean and he's fine.
That would be massive for multiple reasons:
1) It's just significant because it shows a trust in Harper's elbow to allow him to play defense. For him personally, that's a major step.
2) It gives the Phillies more lineup flexibility and more general flexibility as the trade deadline approaches. If Harper can play first base, the team can play Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter and can then go out and acquire an outfielder if they want. There are many more options available now to Dave Dombrowski.
The 30-year-old Harper is hitting .290 this season with three homers and 23 RBI. He's posted a .386 on-base percentage.
The Phillies open the second half with a series against the San Diego Padres.
First pitch on Friday is 6:05 p.m. ET.
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