Bryce Harper is back in Philadelphia.
The Phillies slugger will play his first home game of the season on Friday night after missing the first month of the season due to Tommy John surgery.
Harper was originally expected back around the All-Star break, but the former MVP made a quick recovery and picked up three hits earlier this week.
Harper talked about how excited he is to play again, being granted extra time to acknowledge the Philadelphia fans, and more during his pregame availability via the Audacy Original Podcast “Baseball Isn’t Boring”.
“I’m excited. I’m pumped. Just being able to come back and play in front of our fans, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Harper said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of eyes on that Sixers game tonight but I’m excited to be here and play in front of this fanbase and be a part of this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
This weekend is a true battle between Boston and Philadelphia with the Red Sox in town to play the Phillies while the Sixers and Celtics continue their playoff series across the street at the Wells Fargo Center.
With the new pitch clock, many wondered if the MLB would grant the Phillies’ request for Harper to have some extra time for a presumed standing ovation prior to his first at-bat.
“They just told me they would. That’ll be good. I’m going to enjoy that for a second. Sam Fuld told me ‘You better enjoy it ‘cause that’ll be the only time in your next 10 years that they’ll give you time,’” Harper laughed. “It’s going to be pretty cool.”
Harper is back just in time for the Phillies, whose 11-4 run came to an end with a four-game losing streak this week. A homestand with Harper in the lineup is a prime opportunity for the Phils to bounce back.
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