Report: Bryce Harper will learn to play first base, will to do ‘whatever it takes’ to get back out on the field
A picture of Bryce Harper taking ground balls at first base was posted by the Phillies today and it certainly turned some heads.
After the Philadelphia Phillies dropped a game to the Marlins 3-2, Matt Gelb from the Athletic wrote that Bryce Harper is going to learn first base. According to Gelb, Harper went to the Phillies with the idea earlier this month and while it won’t change his timeline for returning as DH, it might get him back in the field sooner this season.
Bryce Harper on Playing First Base
“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.” – Matt Gelb
Losing both Rhys Hoskins for the season and then his backup Darick Hall for at least two months has been a huge blow to the Phillies lineup. Harper can certainly help fill that hole at first.
Harper has only logged just 0.1 innings at first through his 12-year career but told The Athletic that he’ll do whatever it takes to get back on the field as fast as possible. After speaking with the Phillies, they are in agreement that learning first base will be the fastest route possible in returning to the field.
“If I can give them whatever they want from first base, or right field, or whatever it is — not just this year, but going forward — it gives us an opportunity. Whatever it is. Whatever they want. It gives them the option to do that.”
The timetable for Harper returning to the DH spot is the same, although we don’t know the date just yet. Rob Thomson told WIP earlier in the week that he does know the date, but wasn’t ready to let people know yet. If I had to guess, I think Harper will be back in the lineup for the Phillies at DH mid-May.
As for the field, the Phillies initially expected Harper to not take the field again until September, but a switch to first base could have him back out there on a quicker timeline.
The move to first could also help Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies at the trade deadline. They could look for another bat with more defensive upside and consider moving one of Schwarber/Castellanos to the DH spot on a more permanent basis.
The Phillies will have options going forward, but Harper shifting over to first base broadens the horizon.
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