Rob Thomson on Bryce Harper’s unusual at-bat on Wednesday, his timeline at first base, and more

Rob Thomson on Bryce Harper’s Unusual At-Bat on Wednesday, His Timeline at First Base, and More

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson addressed various topics regarding his team following Wednesday’s game, including Bryce Harper’s unusual at-bat, his recovery timeline for playing first base, and other key updates.

Harper, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, had an atypical at-bat in the game, one that raised some eyebrows. “It was a little surprising to see him swing the way he did,” Thomson remarked. Harper, known for his disciplined and power-driven style, seemed to adjust his approach during the at-bat, which included a few awkward swings. However, Thomson was not concerned, noting that Harper’s return to full swing readiness is still a process. “It’s part of the rehab. He’s getting closer, and we’re going to see more of him adjusting like this. It’s not an issue at all, just part of the recovery.”

Regarding Harper’s progression toward playing first base, Thomson shared a more optimistic outlook. Originally, Harper had targeted mid-June for his potential debut at first base, but the timeline is now being adjusted. “We’re looking at the middle to late June, but that’s a flexible window,” said Thomson. “It’s all about how Bryce feels, how he adapts, and when we see the first signs of real strength in his arm.” Harper has been taking grounders and practicing on the first base side in recent days, and while he is improving, the ultimate decision on his transition to first will rely on how his arm responds to continued activity.

Thomson also spoke about the overall health of the team and their spring training progress. With the regular season approaching, he emphasized that while some players are still working through minor issues, he is confident the team will be ready by Opening Day. “It’s about getting them all in the right rhythm and making sure we avoid any setbacks,” he concluded.

The Phillies are closely monitoring Harper’s journey back into form, with the anticipation that he will play a major role in the upcoming season.