Harper at the hot corner? Star gets turn at 3B

July 14th, 2020

PHILADELPHIA -- and Joe Girardi made a pact Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Do not hurt yourself.

Girardi watched Harper field ground balls last week. He said he thought his hands worked well out front. Girardi said he thought Harper made strong and accurate throws.

“You look good,” Girardi said.

“Do you think I’ll play third one day?” Harper said.

“Well, we’ll probably keep you in right,” Girardi said.

But Harper begged Girardi for the opportunity Monday. Girardi relented.

“One inning,” he said. “That’s it. One inning.

“I think it’s important that the guys have fun in the game. There’s always that little risk, so you try to minimize the risk.”

Uh, yeah, nobody wants the $330 million right fielder to jam a shoulder diving for a ball.

“There is no diving,” Girardi said.

“Instincts, skip,” Harper said.

“No,” Girardi repeated. “There is no diving.”

“Your arm is loose, right?” Girardi said.

“Yes, my arm is really loose.”

Harper stood at third base for six outs of the scrimmage game. Kyle Garlick hit a ball toward Harper in his second half-inning of work. He fielded the ball cleanly and made an accurate throw to first base. Harper jogged off the field. His dalliance with the hot corner had ended.

Extra bases

• Girardi said right-hander Seranthony Domínguez still has not had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

• Right-hander Vìctor Arano threw a live batting practice session. He is coming back from a shoulder injury. Girardi said everything came out “great.”

• The Phillies optioned right-hander Enyel De Los Santos and right-hander Robert Stock to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Girardi said it is a procedural move and that they will remain in camp and continue to pitch.