Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper is itching to play baseball again.
Harper, who had Tommy John surgery in the offseason, could return as a DH around the All-Star Break if all goes according to plan. A return to right field, however, might not be possible until late in the season or even next year.
That delay in returning to the field gave Harper an idea. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Harper broached the idea of learning how to play first base with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski in early April.
After some consideration with Phillies staff, Dombrowski gave his blessing. Regular Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins is expected to miss at least the regular season after suffering a torn ACL in spring training.
If Harper learns the position, it could also help the Phillies in the future, as Hoskins is set to become a free agent after this season. It also gives the team more options to pursue another outfielder via trade, and shift either Nick Castellanos or Kyle Schwarber to the DH role.
“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,” Harper said (via The Athletic). “Whatever it is. Whatever they want. It gives them the option to do that.”
Manager Rob Thomson said Harper’s idea shows his passion for the sport, and his unselfishness.
“That just tells you something about Harp,” Thomson said Wednesday (via The Athletic). “The team guy that he is. He wants to play.”
The Phillies have already been getting Harper some glove work — no throwing, obviously — around first base. Expect more of that now that the big secret is out.
