Bryce Harper has ‘been holding up’ in his move back to right field, and on pace to play every game
Interim manager Don Mattingly wanted to “get him off his feet” with a start at DH in the finale against the Diamondbacks.
PHOENIX — Kyle Schwarber got a rare start at first base in the Phillies’ series finale against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.
Schwarber had been taking pregame grounders at the position for the past few days to keep his skills sharp. Bryce Harper moved to designated hitter, while Bryan De La Cruz got the start in right field and Alec Bohm had the day off.
With the Phillies scheduled for an off day on Thursday ahead of a pivotal home series against the Braves, interim manager Don Mattingly wanted to give Harper some extra time off his feet.
» READ MORE: Bryce Harper is having his best month as a Phillie, and even he is not quite sure how he’s doing it
In general, Mattingly feels like Harper has physically handled the move back to right field well. This marks just his second start at designated hitter since Aug. 11.
“We feel like we’ve kind of gotten over that hump and that hurdle. So he’s been holding up,” Mattingly said.
The Phillies are still monitoring the knee soreness that bothered Harper initially after the switch. He remains on pace to start all 162 games this season.
“Tendinitis just doesn’t go away,” Mattingly said. “More than anything, it’s getting him off his feet. He’s on pace to play 162. So try to get him some DH days here and there. Try to get him off his feet when I can. And that’s what we’re trying to do, to keep him as fresh as possible.”
The adjustment certainly hasn’t affected Harper’s performance at the plate. In the 26 games since his move back to right, Harper has slashed .360/.521/.539 and has drawn 30 walks.
Fresh off a 4-for-4 performance in Tuesday’s win, he wasted no time extending his career-high on-base streak to 35 games. He drew a four-pitch walk in the first inning against Arizona opener Taylor Clarke on Wednesday.
“I got to keep going and keep rolling,” Harper said Tuesday. “It’s a long ways to go. We’re going to play a lot of really good teams the next couple weeks, and I got to play my brand of baseball.”
» READ MORE: Alex McFarlane, who ‘doesn’t really pitch like a rookie,’ helps preserve a 2-1 Phillies win over Diamondbacks
Injury updates
Tanner Banks (left forearm strain) pitched two scoreless innings in a rehab assignment with triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. He did not allow a hit or walk and struck out two.
“He was good, really efficient,” Mattingly said. “He’s got another two inning coming, so he’s building up. He’s quick with the pitches. ... Not that we want him to walk people or give up hits, but we would like to see his pitch count just get built a little more.”
Once Banks is ready to return, the Phillies hope to be able to use the left-hander as a multi-inning option. Tuesday was Banks’ third rehab appearance, and he needed just 21 pitches. The Phillies want to see him reach the 30 mark as he continues to build up.
Banks will be eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list on Sept. 7.
Nestor Cortes, who was placed on the injured list in single-A Clearwater to allow him time to build up after signing with the Phillies on Aug. 19, is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in the next few days, according to Mattingly.
Extra bases
The Diamondbacks were without Ketel Marte on Wednesday’s series finale for a planned day off. ... Following Thursday’s off day, the Phillies open a key series against the Braves on Friday. Cristopher Sánchez (16-4, 2.52 ERA) will take the mound opposite Atlanta lefty Chris Sale (13-9, 2.06).
With one month left in the season, the Phillies are jockeying for playoff positioning in the National League. And things are about to heat up with a critical three-game series in Arizona. Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen joins Phillies Extra to discuss the wild-card race, the drama involving star second baseman Ketel Marte, and the 2023 NLCS, which left scars in Philadelphia that still haven't healed. Watch here.
You can also subscribe to the podcast version of Phillies Extra on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Previous episodes: Tony Gwynn Jr. | Kevin Stocker | Bobby Dickerson | Jim Bowden | John Middleton | Ryan Howard | Dan Baker | Ricky Bottalico | Preston Mattingly | Caleb Cotham
