Harper has pair of hits in Minor League game

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Bryce Harper singled Monday afternoon in a Double-A game at the Carpenter Complex. He signaled for the ball.

It was a joke, of course. Harper did not need the souvenir. But Harper, who is 0-for-8 with four walks and five strikeouts in Grapefruit League action this spring, was happy to have a hit. He got another hit before leaving the game.

Harper continues to work to get his timing at the plate before Opening Day on March 28. He is scheduled to have some fielding work and stand in on some bullpen sessions on Tuesday.

He will return to right field against the Tigers on Wednesday at Spectrum Field.

Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Monday that he does not know how many more games Harper will play before Spring Training ends March 25.

“We don’t feel like there’s a big rush or a time crunch,” he said. “We feel like he’s going to have his timing and rhythm down for Opening Day, and that’s what’s most important. We don’t have to speed things up or force things.”

Eflin goes five vs. Cards

Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin allowed four hits, three runs (two earned), one walk and struck out three over five innings in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla. He allowed home runs to Tyler O’Neill and Paul Goldschmidt.

Up next

After a rainout Tuesday, the Phillies will next take on the Tigers on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Spectrum Field.