NEW YORK — Bryce Harper took regular batting practice on the field at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
Thomson said the plan was for Harper to hit on the field on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. The home opener on Thursday was later announced as being postponed due to rain in the forecast, so Harper will presumably now hit on Friday.
Harper took overhand tosses from hitting coach Kevin Long. The 2021 NL MVP underwent Tommy John surgery in November to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament that prevented him from throwing. It is unclear whether Harper will return to right field in 2023, but he is progressing toward a return to the designated hitter spot.