Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Manager Shares Timeline on Harper Playing First Base

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson gave a timetable for when Bryce Harper could play first base.

Matthew Postins

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper could be a first baseman soon. In fact, it could be really soon.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson told the media in advance of Friday's game with San Diego that Harper could "possibly" play first base during this weekend's series with the Padres.

That would continue Harper's incredible return from Tommy John surgery. 

Harper was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in May of last season, but opted to move to designated hitter and play out the season, helping the Phillies reach the World Series. 

After the season Harper had Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm and was cleared to return to baseball 159 days later, beating a record timetable set by Tony Womack (182 days) in 2004. 

Harper has served strictly as a designated hitter since his return, and has batted .290 with three home runs and 23 RBI in 56 games. 

The Phillies have surged in recent weeks and enter the second half of the season 48-41. While Philly is 12 games back of Atlanta in the NL East, they are only half-a-game out of the final Wild Card spot. 

Harper's return to the field would give Philadelphia more flexibility at the corner infield spots, as they've been without Rhys Hoskins this season due to injury.

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Matthew Postins
MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He also covers he Big 12 for Heartland College Sports.

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