Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Rely on Harper for Far More Than Power

While Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper may be lacking power, he still brings more to the table than just home runs.

Andy Jasner

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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It would be easy to look at Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper’s statistics and determine that he’s struggling at the plate.

Yes, Harper has only three home runs.

Yes, Harper has only been able to play as a designated hitter.

No, none of this is disappointing.

Harper returned incredibly early from Tommy John surgery, sooner than anyone could have expected.

He has shown the same leadership skills as the Phillies surged and put themselves back into playoff contention by the All-Star break.

“I’m just not Bryce yet,” Harper told reporters. “I don't feel that.”

Still, Harper is hitting .290 with 23 RBI and a .790 OPS.

Harper has not homered in 160 consecutive plate appearances since May 25 for the longest power drought of his career.

As for the lack of power, it’s possible the early return from surgery could be hindering him. Maybe it’s the pitch clock.

This much is known: the two-time Most Valuable Player will bounce out of this power funk. History proves that.

“I’m happy I’m on the field, you know?” Harper told reporters. “I can really say that. I wouldn’t be in this position without the people in the clubhouse -- my trainers -- and the way I worked this offseason. Everything before the break was a gift. You know what I’m saying? K Long (hitting coach Kevin Long) yesterday was like, ‘Oh, you just finished spring training and your offseason.’ I’m like, ‘Well, if I can get 60 hits in the offseason and spring training that count toward my year, I’ll take it.’

“I'm not where I want to be. I'm not hitting the homers that I want or anything like that. I'm getting the hits when I need them. I still feel like I’m having good at-bats. I still feel like I’m going out there and plugging along. We have a long way to go.”

The Phillies are winning again after a 25-32 start. Harper is a big reason why.

If they make a deep postseason run again, you’d better believe that Harper will be right in the middle of the action.

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Andy Jasner
ANDY JASNER

Andy Jasner is a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area. Jasner graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 and has worked for newspapers, magazines and websites including CBS SportsLine and ESPN.com. Jasner has written two books -- Baltimore Ravens and Phil Jasner: On The Case. Follow him on Twitter at @AndyJasner.

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