Just How Much Has Harper Affected Philadelphia Phillies Since Return?
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When Bryce Harper returned in record time from Tommy John surgery on Nov. 23, he insisted that he would not be careful.
Quite the opposite.
He was going to play the only way he knows – 100 percent all the time.
In the eighth inning of Friday’s 6-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, Harper ripped a two-run double, stole third base and scored on an errant throw.
Harper has been aggressive since rejoining the Philadelphia Phillies.
Did anyone expect anything less?
“I know everybody was holding their breath a little bit, but I’m going to play the game the way I know how to play it,” Harper said on a postgame interview on NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I thought third base was a great opportunity after that double. I don’t think he was really thinking about me. The guy was playing off a little bit. I got a good jump, got there and read the ball into left field, was able to score and got us another run.”
Without a Minor League rehab assignment, Harper has been incredible. He’s already clicking offensively and doesn’t appear to have any issues in returning so quickly.
This is all great news for the Phillies.
Just having Harper’s presence in the lineup is a confidence boost. Especially without Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall.
The Phillies need Harper to carry them back to the postseason. If Harper isn’t playing, the Phillies will have a difficult time reaching the playoffs again.
In an early sample size, Harper is shining. It truly is incredible to watch.
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