Harper preparing to play 1B to help Phillies upon injury return

When Bryce Harper returns to the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup, he might be playing a new position.

The two-time MVP, who's been an outfielder throughout his career, is preparing to play first base, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb.

Harper pitched the idea, which became a realistic option after injuries to Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall, Gelb adds.

Manager Rob Thomson gave Harper the "full go" and discussed the concept with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.

"That just tells you something about Harp," Thomson said Wednesday. "The team guy that he is. He wants to play."

The 30-year-old Harper, who's recovering from offseason Tommy John surgery, is expected to DH when he returns sometime in late May or early June.

A potential shift to first base doesn't affect his return timeline, although he could get on the field to play defense sooner than if he were to play in the outfield.

Harper has two appearances at first base during his 11-year career. One of those outings came in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, while the other was in 2021 with the Phillies.