The Phillies are expecting Bryce Harper to report to camp Wednesday. Before he heads east, Harper made an appearance at the Pennzoil 400, a NASCAR race, in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Serving as the Grand Marshal, Harper told drivers to “Start your engines.”
The star slugger also spoke with reporters before the race. He was asked about baseball’s new rules and how he’ll adjust to the pitch clock.
“It’s going to be a different game, of course, especially with myself and a lot of guys that have been playing for a long time,” Harper told reporters, including the Associated Press’ Mark Anderson. “It’s going to be different to see baseball on a time clock, but it’s something we’re going to have to adapt to. We’ll see what happens going forward. I look forward to kind of progressing in that how and when I can.”
Harper will have to fine-tune his methodical pre-pitch routine in order to comply with MLB’s 15-second pitch timer with no runners on and 20 seconds with runners on. Hitters have to be in the box and ready to hit with eight seconds remaining on the timer or else the umpire will call a strike.
For now, Harper and the Phillies are focused on his health. He received clearance to take dry swings a little more than a week ago. Manager Rob Thomson even said on Feb. 23 that Harper is slightly ahead of his rehab schedule.
Harper is expected back in the Phillies lineup as a designated hitter sometime before the All-Star break.
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