Reigning NLCS MVP Bryce Harper Looks to Shrug Off Nagging Injury by Gambling on a Position He’s Played Just 0.1 Innings

The 2023 edition of the baseball season is in full swing. While there have been some upsets, other teams have also made history with their wins. As usual, some players are starting the season on the injured list because it’s the nature of an athlete’s career. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite players to see them in action. One such player is Bryce Harper, one of the stars of the Philadephia Phillies.

Harper gave a stunning performance in the 2022 season and led the Phillies to their first NLCS since 2010. The DH was even named the NLCS’ Most Valuable Player for taking his team to the World Series. Unfortunately, the off-season brought some bad news with Harper needing Tommy John surgery in his elbow. So far into the season, the 30-year-old is still on the injured list but it was recently announced that he may come back in a new role soon.

Bryce Harper is reportedly playing first base for the Phillies

The Athletic’s Matt Gelb recently announced that Harper is preparing to play on first base whenever he comes back from the IL. After Rhys Hoskins’ season-ending knee injury, and a torn ACL that required surgery, the Phillies have been struggling with two of their major players missing from the field.

Gelb reported that it was actually Harper who came up with this idea. Recovery will undoubtedly take some time but the athlete wants to do whatever he can to beat the timeline.

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Interestingly, Harper has actually played this position before, although only for 0.1 innings. As he polishes up his skills at 1B, what happens to the position he already had?

What about Harper’s designated hitter duties?

Owing to the nature of his injury, the right fielder will come back to hit before he can get back to throwing. That means the position of DH is still occupied by Harper. “That just tells you something about Harp,” Rob Thomson, the Phillies’ manager, told The Athletic. “The team guy that he is. He wants to play.”

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According to Gelb, Harper had to convince the Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, as well as Bobby Dickerson, the veteran infield coach. But it didn’t take long because the organization recognizes Harper’s talents and everyone wants him to come back sooner rather than later!