LOS ANGELES – Bryce Harper is officially back with the Phillies and will score third in his first appearance of the season at Dodger Stadium.
Harper’s return comes just 160 days after Tommy John surgery. He was given medical clearance Monday in Los Angeles by Dr. Neil Al-Atrash and said that was the series he had been aiming for in his mind all along.
Outfielder Jake Cave was optioned to Triple A to make room for Harper.
Harper’s return prompted a change in the Phillies lineup. Kyle Schwarber moved into the first position and Bryson Stott fell to fifth.
Here’s the Phillies’ first lineup for 2023 along with their best hitter:
1. Kyle Schwarber LF (L)
2. Trea Turner, SS
3 – Bryce Harper, DH (L)
4. Nick Castellanos, RF
5. Bryson Stott, 2B (L)
6. GT Realmoto, C
7. Alec Baum, 1b
8. Brandon Marsh CF (L)
9. Edmundo Sosa, 3b
Matt Strahm, SB
The Phillies are up against left-hander Julio Urias, one of the best rookie pitchers in the National League. Harper went 2-for-3 against him with a homer and a double last season.