Harper expected to make his spring debut with Phillies on Saturday

Bryce Harper in Philadelphia Phillies' red on Wednesday looked a lot like he did while he was wearing Washington Nationals' red. While participating in on-field activities with his new team on Wednesday, Harper hit a home run off teammate Jerad Eickhoff. The blast to right field came in a hybrid simulated game/live batting practice session with Eickhoff pitching at what appeared to be full speed without a protective screen in front of him.

Harper is expected to make his spring debut with the Phillies on Saturday. The former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Nationals in 2010, Harper officially signed a new 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies this past weekend.

In seven major league seasons, all with the Nationals, Harper batted .279 with 184 home runs and 521 RBIs. He hit 34 home runs last season, second most in his career, and added 100 RBIs, his most in a single season. He also led the National League with 130 walks. Harper is a six-time All-Star, who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2012. He was MVP in 2015 when he tied for the NL lead with 42 homers and led the NL in runs (118), on-base percentage (.460), slugging percentage (.649) and OPS (1.109).

 

(With inputs from agencies.)