Bryce Harper made Dodger Stadium history over the weekend

Bryce Harper makes Dodger Stadium history with offensive onslaught

The Philadelphia Phillies were unable to complete a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but their four-game visit to Dodger Stadium left a lasting and historic imprint, thanks to reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper.

According to Jayson Stark, Harper is the only player in MLB history to visit Dodger Stadium and record home runs and two or more extra-base hits in three consecutive games at the historic park:

Prior to this series, Harper’s performance at Dodger Stadium had been a mixed bag. Over 23 career games in Los Angeles between 2012-21, he compiled just two doubles and three home runs. Over three games this weekend, he went 8-for-12 with four doubles and three home runs, only striking out once.

Harper hasn’t been able to play the outfield for a month due to a tear in his UCL, but it hasn’t stopped him from being a formidable designated hitter. As the Phillies’ DH, he’s hitting .305/.361/.634 with a .994 OPS, leading the NL in home runs (9) and slugging percentage. He’s leading all of MLB with 29 runs scored, 14 doubles, and 83 total bases.

Harper’s transition from slugging outfield to DH is impressive; the role isn’t for everyone. Many players feel that sitting in the dugout for the majority of the game prevents them from getting into the hitting groove. Clearly, Harper isn’t one of them.

Thanks in large part to Harper’s offensive onslaught, the Phillies took three of four games from the Dodgers. In doing so, they improved to 17-18, and while that’s still a below-.500 record, the Phillies moved up to second place in the NL East, just 5 1/2 games behind the New York Mets.

Universal DH comes at perfect time amidst Bryce Harper’s UCL injury

Bryce Harper won't be able to throw for a month due to a UCL tear, but thanks to the Universal DH, the Phillies can keep him in the lineup.