The Philadelphia Phillies have achieved deep playoff runs in the last two seasons without winning a World Series despite having one of the highest payrolls in MLB While facing increasing pressure as their championship window narrows, the players, especially the $330 million franchise superstar Bryce Harper, will be closely examined, as he missed a third consecutive Spring Training game due to back stiffness, prompting concern from The Athletic’s MLB insider Jayson Stark..
As Harper missed a third straight Spring Training game due to back stiffness, The Athletic’s MLB insider Jayson Stark raised a red flag Franchise superstar Bryce Harper, who is earning $330 million, was absent from the No. 3 spot in the Phillies’ lineup for a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, catching the attention of The Athletic’s MLB insider Jayson Stark. Bryce Harper’s History of Injury Could Be Flaring Up Again The Athletic’s MLB insider Jayson Stark highlighted Harper's absence from the Phillies’ lineup and pointed out that he has a history of back problems, despite Phillies manager Rob Thompson expressing no concern about the injury. Stark added that other players who had been given time off were back in the lineup for that game, and it was televised and well attended in person. While Phillies manager Rob Thompson expressed “zero” concern about the injury, Stark also noted Harper’s notable history of back problems.
“Here’s a ‘story’ that caught the attention of those of us who were paying attention to the Phillies’ lineup card,” Stark wrote. “When the lineup was posted … for the Phillies’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays, there was nothing normal about Harper’s absence from the No. 3 hole.”
Bryce Harper’s History of Injury Could Be Flaring Up Again
Stark highlighted that other players who had been given time off were back in the lineup for that game, which was televised and well attended. He also noted Phillies manager Rob Thompson’s lack of concern, but pointed out Harper’s history of back problems.
“For four years, Harper has dealt with some form of back stiffness, soreness, or discomfort,” Stark reported. “He missed games in September 2020, April 2021, and last August due to back issues. He also missed time last July due to general ‘body soreness.’ And that’s just what the Phillies have publicly revealed.”
Harper missed the start of the 2023 season after 160 days of recovery from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He went on to win a Silver Slugger Award and receive MVP votes with a .293/.401/.499 slash line, 21 homers, and 72 RBI in 546 at bats.
While it may be premature to draw conclusions based on preseason performance, it's worth noting that Harper has an uncharacteristic .227 batting average and .346 on-base percentage in 22 at bats so far this spring. In 2022, Harper achieved a .400 batting average and 1.575 on-base percentage in 35 at bats.
Bryce Harper Is Transitioning to a New Position for the Philadelphia Phillies
Raising further concern around all of Harper’s actions or inactions, even during the preseason, is his transition to full-time first baseman in an effort to enhance the Phillies’ chances of winning the championship.
“Harper has made the transition to become a full-time first baseman,” Joey Mistretta wrote for ClutchPoints. “It may not seem like a big change, but there is a different kind of rhythm players need to adjust to when switching positions. That is especially true when an outfielder moves to the infield or vice-versa.”
The team has pushed Harper to take on the new role as it adds critical flexibility to the lineup. Most notably, it allows Kyle Schwarber to take on a full-time designated-hitter role.
“What happens if Harper’s back trouble is persistent enough that he can’t be a full-time first baseman?” Stark asked. “The answer: There’s a ripple effect on multiple positions that could throw off the whole blueprint.”
Any developments around Harper’s longevity, even in the preseason, will be the subject of significant scrutiny. He signed a 13-year deal with the team in 2019 and has expressed a desire to continue playing for the team until he is in his 40s publicly, and that would mean needing an extension.
“I want him to finish his career as a Phillie,” team managing partner John Middleton said about Harper, according to MLB.com. “We have to reach an agreement, but the timing and details are uncertain to me.”
