The captain of the Philadelphia Phillies made headlines earlier this week. After 160 days, Bryce Harper returned to the organization’s lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tommy John surgery wasn’t going to keep Harper from trying to regain the crown of being called National League Champions for a second consecutive year.
It’s impressive to think that he is back on the field and playing baseball this quickly after that type of surgery. His sheer presence can be a spark to the clubhouse. His attitude, leadership, and overall play will give the team benefits when facing the competition. Unfortunately, Harper cannot do it all on his own.
Last night, was a clear example of this scenario playing out. The two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star had himself a perfect night at the plate. In his second game back, Harper went 3-for-3 with a double and two walks. He did everything you could ask for from him. His teammates, especially the relief pitchers, couldn’t hold a late lead and the Dodgers came back to sweep the Phillies right out of Los Angeles.
Bryce Harper already getting back to form for Phillies
Harper had himself a good night at the plate. However, you can’t also ask the man to also pitch. He knows you cannot throw games away if you want to get yourself back to the postseason.
"“We just gave that game away. That cannot happen. It’s a really good team over there. But a 5-1 game, our guy [starter Aaron Nola] on the mound, we’ve got to do better. We’ve got to be better.”"Todd Zolecki – MLB.com
He’s right. The Dodgers are a good team, and the Phillies have to do better. They saw themselves get embarrassed in Los Angeles by being outscored 36-11 in these three losses. The team’s pitching staff now has the second-highest ERA (5.13) in the National League.
It’s been a rough start to the 2023 campaign for the Phillies. Their current record is 15-17 and are 6.5 games back from the first-place Atlanta Braves. They have been treading water and waiting for the return of Harper. Now is the time to make your move. They will have a rest day to travel back home to start their next series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.