Bryce Harper (back) returns to Phillies lineup

Bryce Harper (back) is in the lineup, playing first base and batting third in Saturday’s spring training game against the New York Yankees in Tampa.

Harper has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14. Lower back stiffness has slowed him down this spring, but he says he’s fine. 

He took seven at-bats in a minor league game on the backfields of the Carpenter Complex on Friday. 

“Seeing good arms, seeing velo, that’s the biggest thing,” Harper told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. “Just trying to get on time and catch up to velo. If I get there, then we’ll be good. Body-wise, I feel good. It’s just really trying to catch up to velo.” 

The Phillies slugger has yet to go on the injured list with back problems in his tenure with the club, but it’s something worth monitoring. Back spasms limited him to only 10 games at first base in August of last year. Harper’s back began bothering him during the 2020 season.  

Harper previously attributed the back stiffness this time around to the extra work he’s done on the backfields with infield coach Bobby Dickerson to prepare to play first base this season.

His ability to play first base on a nearly full-time basis is crucial. The Phillies are penciling in Kyle Schwarber as the full-time designated hitter and if Harper has to spend time at DH to manage back pain, it means Schwarber will have to spend more time in left field. 

But at the same time, it’s all about health and peaking at the right time for the Phillies. They are talented enough to secure a third-straight playoff berth in the National League. If having Harper fully healthy for October means having to sacrifice some DH at-bats for Schwarber during the season, so be it. 

Whit Merrifield and Bryson Stott are also in the lineup for Saturday’s game. They will face left-handed starter Carlos Rodón. 

Connor Brogdon will start. Spencer Turnbull, Andrew Bellatti, José Ruiz and Ricardo Pinto are also scheduled to pitch. 

Fans can listen to the game, which begins at 1:05 p.m. EST, on 94 WIP or stream the Yankees’ television broadcast on YES with an MLB.tv subscription.

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