Bryce Harper praises Bailey Ober: 'Good luck to everyone in the Central'

Twins starter struck out seven batters in three innings on Saturday.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper had high praise for Twins starter Bailey Ober for his performance during a 3-2 Twins loss in a spring training game Saturday in Clearwater, Fla.

Ober’s velocity was up during the game, throwing his hardest pitch ever recorded during the three-inning outing at 94.8 mph, according to MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park. 

In all, Ober struck out seven batters and allowed just one run in his three innings of work. Ober got 11 swinging strikes on 20 swings while throwing just 38 pitches.

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Bailey Ober (17) pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during game three of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field in Minneapolis on Oct. 10, 2023 :: Matt Blewett / USA TODAY Sports

That prompted Harper to wish "good luck to everyone in the Central" if Ober is able to up his velocity to the 95-96 mph range like it was on Saturday. Ober's average velocity on his fastball last season was 91.3 mph, according to baseballsavant.mlb.com.

It’s worth noting, however, that Ober’s velocity was also up during spring training last season. According to Park, Ober's velocity topped out at 94.2 mph last spring training before leveling out at 91.3 during the regular season.