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Bryce Harper Managing Left‑Knee Soreness After Move Back to Right Field

The Phillies are using scheduled DH days and late defensive replacements to protect Harper’s availability as they adjust their lineup after the Arráez trade.

Overview

  • Harper said the left knee was first injured on a July 11 slide and that the soreness resurfaced after he resumed right field duty following the trade that added Luis Arráez.
  • He reports the pain is most noticeable when braking or stopping in the outfield while full‑speed running and his hitting remain unaffected.
  • Interim manager Don Mattingly and the team have avoided placing Harper on the injured list and are giving him occasional DH starts and late defensive replacements to manage his workload.
  • The Phillies recalled right‑hander Alex McFarlane to shore up a stretched bullpen after Caleb Kilian went on the injured list with an oblique strain.
  • Opinion writers argue the roster shift that moved Harper to right field to keep Alec Bohm in the lineup should be rethought to protect Harper and preserve his availability for the playoff push.