Bryce Harper Returns to Right Field After Arraez Trade, Starting 2-Month Phillies Shuffle
Updated
Updated · MLB.com · Aug 4
Bryce Harper Returns to Right Field After Arraez Trade, Starting 2-Month Phillies Shuffle
3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Aug 4
Summary
Harper is expected to start in right field Tuesday, ending his run at first base after the Phillies acquired three-time batting champion Luis Arraez to play second.
The trade reshapes Philadelphia's defense: Bryson Stott moves to third, Alec Bohm to first, and Harper shifts back to an outfield spot he has not played regularly since 2021.
Harper said he urged Dave Dombrowski before the 6 p.m. deadline to make any winning move, then backed it by homering and making a diving stop in Monday's 6-3 win over Washington.
Mattingly called Harper's move the key to solidifying the outfield, but said the club will ramp up his arm carefully after his 2022 elbow injury and Tommy John surgery.
The switch is planned for August, September and a possible postseason run, with Harper framing the disruption as a short-term sacrifice to boost the Phillies' World Series chances.