Even though he’s getting a slightly late start to spring training, Bryce Harper vowed to be ready for Opening Day.
Harper said Sunday he needs just 45 spring plate appearances to be at full speed for the March 28 opener.
“I’m going to take my time,” Harper said, via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. “I don’t want to rush. I’ll be ready for Opening Day, March 28. Just trying to take it day by day, and once I can get into a game, I will. The swing’s my swing, so I’ll try to see as much live BP as I can this week to get ready for games and stuff like that. I just want to see pitches. I just want to see that and see rotation, feel what it feels like to be in my cleats today and be on the grass and just be out there.”
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler announced Sunday that Harper would likely play in his first spring game on Saturday, March 9.
Gabe Kapler told reporters in Ft. Myers that Bryce Harper is likely to make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday vs. Blue Jays in Clearwater. Harper likely will DH.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 3, 2019
Harper should get all the plate appearances he needs to be ready. Plus, by then, he should have down which team he plays for now.
