Bryce Harper set to make debut at first base for Phillies this week
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for an exciting week as Bryce Harper is set to take the field as the team’s first baseman at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed on Sunday morning that Harper will start at least one game at first base during the upcoming three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, which begins on Tuesday night. The move from designated hitter to first base will have various implications for the team’s 26-man roster, defense, and the front office leading up to the August 1 Trade Deadline.
Harper’s appearance at first base will mark his first time playing defense in a Major League Baseball (MLB) game since April 16, 2022, when he played eight innings in right field. Although Harper has only played first base twice in his MLB career, the shift will provide an opportunity for the star player to showcase his versatility.
The team’s roster will also undergo adjustments with Harper’s transition to first base. Darick Hall, who joined the Phillies on July 2 to add more power to the lineup, could potentially secure a place on the team alongside Harper. However, the Phillies may explore other options, such as Triple-A outfielder Jake Cave or utility players Kody Clemens and Scott Kingery, to enhance their defensive versatility.
On the defensive front, Kyle Schwarber is expected to assume more time as the designated hitter, while Harper will not necessarily play first base every day initially. Thomson has several approaches to filling Schwarber’s spot in the outfield, such as shifting Brandon Marsh to left field and utilizing Johan Rojas in center. This configuration could potentially grant the Phillies one of the strongest defensive outfields they have had in years. Alternatively, the team may prioritize offense by considering Cave, who boasts impressive stats with a .347 batting average and 1.118 OPS in Triple-A.
Thomson emphasized the importance of defense, stating that it remains constant and typically exhibits consistency, while offense fluctuates. If players like Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Harper start performing well offensively, the offensive production from the bottom of the lineup may not be as significant. With a Rojas-Marsh outfield, the pitching staff could greatly benefit from improved defensive capabilities.
Looking ahead to the Trade Deadline, the Phillies may reassess their plans if they manage to acquire a left fielder who can bolster their offensive lineup. Hunter Renfroe and Cody Bellinger are potential candidates who could be available.
Although Harper’s potential return to right field later in the season remains uncertain, the team is primarily focused on his debut at first base this week. Phillies fans eagerly anticipate Harper’s performance in this new position and the positive impact it may have on the team’s overall gameplay.