The Philadelphia Phillies are continuing their search for outfield help despite an unexpected offer from Bryce Harper.
Harper told the Phillies he would be willing to temporarily move back to right field if doing so would help the club acquire a right-handed bat before the trade deadline., according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Philadelphia, however, declined the idea and plans to keep Harper at first base while continuing to explore the outfield market.
Harper has not played right field since April 2022, when he tore an elbow ligament. The Phillies reportedly have no interest in moving him back to the outfield and creating a potential injury risk. The offer comes as Philadelphia looks for ways to replace the production lost when outfielder Adolis Garcia suffered a season-ending injury.
Garcia was initially placed on the 60-day injured list with a torn right latissimus dorsi muscle before the Phillies announced he would undergo surgery on June 24.
“Phillies outfielder Adolis García will undergo right latissimus dorsi repair surgery on Wednesday, June 24, performed by Dr. Anthony Romeo. Recovery is projected to take six to eight months for a full return to play, and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2027 season.”
Garcia’s first season in Philadelphia never gained momentum. After signing a one-year, $10 million contract during the offseason, the two-time All-Star appeared in 67 games and hit .195 with seven home runs, 21 RBIs, eight doubles and a .599 OPS.
The injury leaves a vacancy in an outfield that otherwise includes Brandon Marsh in left field and rookie center fielder Justin Crawford.
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