Phillies bid to halt three-game skid in clash vs. Guardians

Bryce Harper made a positive impact in his first career start at first base, but the two-time National League MVP will return to the tour as a designated hitter. Philadelphia Phillies continue their three-match series against cleveland patron on Saturday

Harper offered to learn a new position after he returned from Tommy John surgery in early May. Phillies Hopefully he will eventually return to right field, but Harper could play a key role at first base in the meantime

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said, “We’ve got him ready, and now, it’s just about getting used to the pace of the game and those conditions.”

Phillies The first match of the series was lost 6–5, but Harper played several impressive games early on. Thomson said the plan is to have Harper play first base every other game.

Harper said, “I feel very comfortable.” “We’ve been working for a few months, and I think it’s just normal to go out there and slow it down as much as possible and play good baseball.”

Phillies A four-game winning streak follows three consecutive losses, while Cleveland has won three of the last four.

Guardians Friday got a spark from utilityman David Fry, who made his third career start as a catcher and had two hits and two RBIs.

Fry is batting .356 (16 in 45) in his last 22 games and could make a case for more playing time at catcher.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona said, “The at-bats he’s getting, he’s earned it.” “I don’t know how much we’ll be able to hold him, but I see no reason not to.”

Right-hander Tanner Beebee (5-2, 3.32 ERA) is set to take the mound for Cleveland. Last Sunday against the Texas Rangers, he received a no decision after allowing two runs in six innings.

Bibi, 24, has struck out a total of three runs covering 16 2/3 innings in his last three starts after posting a 5.04 ERA in five games last month.

He is set to make his 15th and first career start against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia will compete against right-hander Zack Wheeler (7-4, 4.04), who allowed three runs in seven innings with seven strikeouts and no walks in a no-decision against the San Diego Padres last Sunday.

Wheeler, 33, has hit five total home runs in his last four games after giving up five runs in his last 15 games.

Josh Bell is 8 for 31 with two homers against Wheeler, making his first start against Cleveland since September. 6, 2013, when he allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings as a member of the New York Mets.

Wheeler may want to exercise caution when pitching Guardians First baseman Josh Naylor, who had two hits Friday and is batting .395 (64 of 162) in his last 40 games

Cleveland second baseman Andres Jimenez said, “It’s (watching Naylor) fun, especially when I have the opportunity to be on deck.” “Seeing him crush balls every night, I’ve been happy for him this past year.”

Guardians Bell, who hit a one-run double in Friday’s win and is batting .413 (12 of 29) over his last nine games.

–Field Level Media