After not playing defense in a big league game since April 16, 2022 in Miami, Bryce Harper will start at first base during the Phillies’ home series against the Brewers this week. Manager Rob Thomson declined to specify which game would be Harper’s first at the position, but it will be one of those three, from July 18-20.
It has been a long road for Harper to get here. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in November, Harper began working out at first base with infield coach Bobby Dickerson in April. He began taking full infield practice a few weeks ago and began throwing to bases last week. Harper played catch between games of Saturday’s doubleheader.
This work was necessary because Harper has only 1/3 of a big league innings’ worth of experience at the position. He’s played the bulk of his career in right field. Thomson said that the possibility of Harper returning to right field isn’t “off the table,” but that if does happen, it’ll be later in the season.
