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Harper has been relegated to designated hitter duties since he got here again from final 12 months’s Tommy John surgical procedure and he hasn’t performed the sector since April 2022. The 2-time NL MVP made one look at first base in 2018 throughout his closing season with the Washington Nationals and suited up on the place as soon as in 2021, however aside from that, Harper has solely performed the outfield.
The 30-year-old made a surprising return to action in early Could and with slugger Rhys Hoskins having suffered a torn ACL throughout spring coaching, experiences swirled that Harper could possibly be the membership’s new first baseman.
When Harper ultimately mans first, it will open up the DH spot, presumably for Kyle Schwarber. Although Schwarber’s is likely one of the strongest bats in MLB, he’s often a legal responsibility in left subject.
Phillies followers can solely hope that Harper adjusts rapidly to the comparatively new place, so Schwarber can turn out to be the everlasting DH. If that is the case, supervisor Rob Thomson may choose to place just lately promoted speedster Johan Rojas in left subject, begin teenager Cristian Pache within the nook spot or type a platoon between the pair.
Maybe as essential as Harper’s capacity to choose up his new activity on the diamond is for him to get sizzling on the plate this summer season. Since getting back from the November 2022 process, the seven-time All-Star has posted a strong .290 batting common – however has recorded simply three dwelling runs and 23 RBIs over 210 at-bats.
Philadelphia (48-41) comes out of the All-Star break in third place within the NL East and 12 video games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves (60-29). The defending NL champions are proper within the thick of the playoff race, although, as they’re in a digital tie with the Milwaukee Brewers (49-42) and solely 0.5 games back of the third wild card spot.
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