Marvelous performance by Phillies outfielder Harper

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.)