Bryce Harper to cut back on throwing program, Realmuto to play for Team USA

The Phillies are cutting back on Bryce Harper’s throwing program, Rob Thomson told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins. He had begun playing light catch from 55 to 60 feet last week. They will reevaluate his arm on a day-to-day basis. Thomson said Harper is experiencing some stiffness in his right elbow.

What’s important is this: The team still believes Harper will return this season. The setback with his arm just makes it a little more difficult for him to return to right field before the end of the regular season.

“I think he’ll be back. No doubt in my mind,” Thomson said.

The Phillies do not have a timetable for a rehab assignment just yet. Thomson says he needs to get more flexibility in his thumb before he faces live pitching. Harper is currently hitting off a tee. Wednesday marks six weeks since Harper underwent surgery to repair his broken left thumb.

Harper told reporters last week that he’s aiming at a “September-ish” return.

Thomson also told reporters that Zach Eflin threw an up-down over the weekend. Eflin felt fine the following day after experiencing some pain while throwing.

“Hopefully he’s making some progress,” Thomson said. “We’re just going to keep that arm moving as much as we can.”

Realmuto to Team USA

MLB announced on Tuesday that J.T. Realmuto will play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, which is returning next year after a six-year hiatus. The team will be captained by Angels star Mike Trout. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story are among the players who have already committed to representing the United States at the event.

Taichung, Taiwan, Tokyo, Miami and Phoenix will host the tournament from March 8-21. The U.S. is in Pool C with Canada, Colombia, Mexico and a qualifying team and will play their first round of games at Chase Field in Phoenix. Subsequent rounds on the American side of the bracket will take place in Miami.

Eight Phillies represented their respective countries in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Pat Neshek was the lone Phillies representative for Team USA.

Here are the lineups for Tuesday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.

Marlins

1. Joey Wendle, second base
2. Garrett Cooper, designated hitter
3. Jesús Aguilar, first base
4. Bryan De La Cruz, right field
5. JJ Bleday, left field
6. Miguel Rojas, shortstop
7. Charles Leblanc, third base
8. Jacob Stallings, catcher
9. Peyton Burdick, center field

Phillies

1. Kyle Schwarber, left field
2. Rhys Hoskins, first base
3. Alec Bohm, third base
4. J.T. Realmuto, catcher
5. Nick Castellanos, designated hitter
6. Jean Segura, second base
7. Matt Vierling, right field
8. Edmundo Sosa, shortstop
9. Brandon Marsh, center field

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