WATCH: Bryce Harper faces off against Ranger Suarez in Chicago
Bryce Harper took his first live swings of the new season today against Ranger Suarez ahead of the Phillies’ doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.
Bryce Harper vs. Ranger Suarez
Originally tweeted by Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) on April 18, 2023.
Suarez reportedly threw 25-30 pitches and felt “really comfortable.” Ranger is still progressing through his left elbow strain that occurred in the World Baseball Classic. Suarez remains on the 15-day as of today, but the team will reevaluate him in the coming days.
Rob Thomson said the goal with Suarez is to build him up to 90 pitches before returning to major league action. The expectation right now is for Suarez to return at the end of April.
As for Bryce Harper, today was his first live pitching since Game 6 vs. the Houston Astros in the World Series. He’s started taking part in feet-first sliding drills and will soon move to light head-first drills. The main worry with Bryce Harper returning too soon is sliding, in which he could re-rupture his elbow.
The Phillies take on the Chicago White Sox in a straight doubleheader starting at 4:05.
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