Bryce Harper Preparing To Play First Base For Phillies
It’s been a series of unfortunate events for the Phillies at the first base spot in 2023. Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL right before the season was about to begin. Darick Hall was supposed to be the replacement but even he’s hurt now. Right now you’re looking at Kody Clemens as your every day first baseman. Not ideal… except for the fact that BRYCE HARPER is coming back!
Yes, you read that correctly. It seems as though Harper is preparing to return as a first baseman for Philadelphia.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports (don’t click. It’s behind a paywall. I’ll drop the quotes you need) that Harper is gearing up to play first for Philadelphia:
“This week, the Phillies initiated the plan. They are preparing Harper to play first base later this season. This does not affect his timetable to return to the Phillies’ lineup — he will still return as the designated hitter because he will be cleared to hit in games before he is cleared to throw. But if Harper takes to the new position, the Phillies think it could allow him to return to the field sooner than if he played right field.”
Harper has not been placed on the 60-Day IL and he’s expected to return in late June. It could be even sooner based on the position change. He won’t have to throw nearly as much at first compared to the outfield. Harper does bat left but throws right. Otherwise, the transition would make even more sense.
It’s an important note for fantasy baseball managers. If Harper gets first base eligibility, that seems to help his value. Yes, I do have him on my fantasy team which is why I’m making a note of it.
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