Marvelous performance by Phillies outfielder Harper
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Another simulated game, another home run for Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper. The recently signed free agent began his day at the plate Thursday by hitting an opposite-field home run off Class A right-hander Gustavo Armas at the Phillies' minor league complex in Clearwater, Fla.
Harper is not expected to take any live at-bats on Friday as he prepares for his first exhibition game Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater. In 12 at-bats against four minor league pitchers Thursday, he put six balls in play, including a double down the right-field line, a single up the middle and a broken-bat blooper to left centre.
In a simulated game Wednesday against Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff, Harper hit a home run on a first-pitch curveball. With 18 more spring training games before the March 28 season opener against the Atlanta Braves, Harper has indicated he would be pleased with anywhere between 40-45 at-bats to get ready.
"If I'm under that, it's OK," Harper said this week on philly.com. "But it's trying to see pitches, trying to see as many at-bats as I can. Being able to go to the minor league side has helped me the past couple years, just getting a little more at-bats seeing live arms. Guys throw pretty hard over there, so it's pretty tough." The former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Washington Nationals in 2010, Harper officially signed a 13-year, $330 million contracts with the Phillies over the weekend.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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