Inside The Phillies

When Will Harper Play First Base for Philadelphia Phillies?

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson gave an update on when Bryce Harper could start seeing time at first base.
Kade Kistner|
When Will Harper Play First Base for Philadelphia Phillies?
When Will Harper Play First Base for Philadelphia Phillies?

In this story:

Philadelphia Phillies

Since Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper has returned from injury all he has done is produce. 

But prior to his return to the plate from Tommy John surgery, Harper was taking reps at first base. A position he could potentially transfer to until he is healthy enough to return to right field. 

A position change is daunting to most, but not Harper. 

The question since the idea of him manning first base has been: When will he take the field.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson gave an update on the situation prior to Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves, saying that Harper was unlikely to see time in the field prior to July's MLB All-Star break. 

If Philadelphia wishes not to rush him back or risk him throwing, even from first base, the team could pivot to free agent Eric Hosmer. 

The team has already been linked to him following his release from the Chicago Cubs. 

Of course Darick Hall will soon be back, but his spot on the roster is not guaranteed. Kody Clemens has been performing well and the potential of Harper taking over first base, if only in a platoon role, looms. 

Philadelphia will soon have a tough decision on their hands. 

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

Home/News