Bryce Harper sat out his third straight Grapefruit League game on Sunday due to back stiffness, with Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirming he will also miss Monday’s game.
Thomson expressed minimal concern about Harper missing time at the start of the regular season, stating he has “zero” worry and expects Harper to return to the lineup later in the week. Thomson explained on Sunday that Harper’s absence is a precautionary measure due to the heavy workload he has been managing, including numerous swings and defensive drills.
Harper has had a relatively quiet spring at the plate, hitting just .227 with no home runs or RBIs in 26 plate appearances, resulting in an OPS of .619. Jayson Stark of The Athletic noted that Harper has never gone without a home run in any spring training where he has played, except for when he missed the 2023 spring training while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Despite Harper’s underwhelming spring numbers, his performance is not a major concern given his established track record. However, any potential recurrence of his back issues could disrupt the Phillies’ plans for a stronger defensive lineup in 2024. Harper’s shift to first base opens up the designated hitter spot for Kyle Schwarber, who struggled defensively in left field in 2023. Despite his limited experience at first base, Harper has shown promise at the position. At the start of spring training, Harper expressed his ambition to excel as a first baseman.https://twitter.com/i/status/1760346268902084629
With Rhys Hoskins now playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, the Philadelphia Phillies have limited options at first base beyond Bryce Harper. Third baseman Alec Bohm and outfielder Jake Cave are potential candidates, while catcher J.T. Realmuto has some experience at first but is primarily needed behind the plate. Despite Harper’s successful tenure in Philadelphia, injuries have been a concern.
In addition to his Tommy John surgery, Harper has missed significant time due to a broken thumb in 2022 and back issues in August 2023, leading to more time as a designated hitter. While his current back stiffness is not causing alarm, it is a situation worth monitoring as the regular season approaches.
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