Harper homers, heads into first Classic as a big leaguer in high gear

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Bryce Harper’s swing is ready for the World Baseball Classic.

Harper hit his first Grapefruit League home run in Saturday’s 7-5 loss to the Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Harper is batting .375 (3-for-8) with two doubles, one home run, four RBIs, three walks and three strikeouts in four games. Four of the six balls he has put in play have been hit at 94.8 mph or harder.

Saturday’s homer left his bat at 93.8 mph.

“Just trying to get pitches in the zone, swing at strikes and take my walks when I can,” Harper said. “I think I’ve done a pretty good job at that the four games I’ve played.”

Harper was flying to Phoenix later on Saturday with teammates Kyle Schwarber, Brad Keller and others to play for Team USA in the WBC.

“Really excited,” Harper said. “Excited to get out there, get in front of the team and have some fun with some really good players.”

Harper twice represented the United States as an amateur. This will be his first stint with Team USA as a big leaguer.

“When I was younger, we won,” Harper said. “We were undefeated in both tournaments and had some really good teams and some really good pitching and good groups. If we can, like you said, go out there and do what we need to do, then [we have] the possibility to do the same thing.

"I know a lot of guys are looking forward to it. We’ve got a really good group of guys, really good group of pitchers and position players. Great stuff. Just really looking forward to it.”

Harper watched Phillies teammate Cristopher Sánchez dominate the Blue Jays in two innings on Saturday. Team USA could face Sánchez, who will be pitching for the Dominican Republic, in the semifinals.

“You better pick and choose what you want to swing at,” Harper said. “His stuff is moving all over the plate. He’s definitely one of the best in baseball right now from the left side. So it’d definitely be a tall task.”

Team USA opens the tournament in Pool B, which includes Italy and Mexico. Aaron Nola is pitching for Italy, and Taijuan Walker is pitching for Mexico. It’s possible Team USA faces Walker at some point.

It’s also possible Team USA faces Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo in the championship, if both the United States and Venezuela advance. Luzardo is on a reserve list with Venezuela, so there’s a chance he could be added to the roster.

Luzardo told El Extrabase’s Daniel Álvarez-Montes that he has stayed in contact with Venezuela manager Omar López.