Bryce Harper gave Boston Red Sox rookie Masataka Yoshida a pretty sweet gift box ahead of last night’s game at Citizens Bank Park. 

During the offseason, Yoshida was one of the most coveted international players entering the free agent market in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed “Macho Man”, he was a monster in the Japanese baseball league coming off the first season of his career with an OPS over 1.000. Yoshida slashed .336/.449/.559 in 121 total games this year, with 140 hits, 21 HRs, 81 RBIs, and a 201 wRC+ while striking out just 42 times in 417 ABs, good for a 10% K rate.

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At the time, it was also revealed that he was a Bryce Harper super fan and he grew up idolizing Harper. At one point, he even work the number 34 because of Bryce, and still has multiple Phillies jerseys while naming his dog “Harper”. 

Masataka Yoshida: Bryce Harper Super Fan

Translation: “As a return to the celebration of Jones’ Japan-US total of 2000 hits, I received a uniform signed by Bryce Harper on the back number section via Macachen サ The custom uniform for my dog that was in the belly was also a big hit 🐷 Thank you Jonesy!!!!”

Yoshida, now a member of the Boston Red Sox, finally had the chance to play against his childhood idol this weekend at Citizens Bank Park which was pretty great timing given the fact that Harper just made an incredible recovery from Tommy John surgery to make his home-debut this weekend.

Bryce also hit his first home run of the 2023 MLB season last night >>

Harper took the time to meet with Yoshida, and hooked the rookie sensation up with some pretty awesome gifts before last night’s game against the Red Sox.

While Harper continues to amaze on and off the field, the Phillies can’t seem to right the ship and have lost six straight games following last night’s 7-4 loss.

Pitching has been absolutely horrible, with the Phillies starters tallying a 9.91 ERA while allowing 29 earned runs in just over 26 innings of work during the losing streak.

Last night’s pitching blunder came from Bailey Falter, who allowed five earned runs in less than four innings of work. 

Luckily, Ranger Suarez is on track to return next weekend in Colorado and should provide a much needed lift to the rotation, replacing Matt Strahm, who will fall back into the bullpen. 

The Phillies will now look to avoid getting swept by the Red Sox today at 1:35PM at Citizens Bank Park. Across the street, the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to tie the series against the Celtics at 2-2. 

Beautiful day down in South Philadelphia. Enjoy it and hopefully, our sports teams won’t ruin it for us. 

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