After defeating the San Francisco Giants 10-4 in the opener of a crucial series, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson will use the exact same lineup Tuesday night, including Bryce Harper at DH for the second evening in a row.
That’s at least in part because Harper continues to manage some back discomfort, which the Phillies described as “mid-back spasms” when the two-time NL MVP was forced to leave the team’s Aug. 10 win over the Washington Nationals prematurely.
“It’s a little tight,” Thomson admitted Tuesday afternoon when asked about how Harper’s back is doing. “He’s fine to hit, I just want to make sure he stays fine. We’re just taking the first base thing day to day.”
Thomson, as he typically does, did send out today’s lineup to players after last night’s game. The lineup included Harper at DH. But players are aware that lineups sent out the night before are not legally binding. It’s possible Harper could have come in Tuesday feeling perfect and ready to play first base. But at least for another night, the seven-time All-Star is back at DH, which has been his primary position for the bulk of the last two seasons.
While Harper doesn’t swing with the same violence that he once did, one would think hitting in a Major League game still puts a ton of stress on your back. So why is playing in the field considered more of a risk?
“When you’re bending over pre-pitch, 150-160 times a game and then having to move, it’s just some wear and tear on it that he’s not used to,” Thomson said.
The reality is that the Phillies need Harper’s bat in the lineup. They would prefer him to play first base, opening up the DH spot for Kyle Schwarber, who has -16 defensive runs saved and outs above average this season. But for now — especially in the relatively manageable outfield at Citizens Bank Park — the Phillies can deal with Schwarber playing left field, if it allows them to keep Harper’s bat in the lineup.
Come the postseason — when the Phillies could find themselves playing in larger outfielders like Oracle Park — they’re going to need Harper to be able to play first base almost as much as they need his bat.
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