SARASOTA, Fla. — The Phillies anticipate that Bryce Harper will play three times in the next five days. The plan is for Harper to play right field on Monday afternoon in Clearwater against the Rays, Wednesday night in Tampa against the Yankees and Friday in Clearwater against the Blue Jays.
Harper's first-inning plate appearance Monday will likely come against Blake Snell, one of the game's toughest lefties and the reigning American League Cy Young winner.
As for the injured Phillies ...
• Cesar Hernandez (strained hip flexor) and Odubel Herrera (hamstring) took groundballs on Sunday morning and manager Gabe Kapler was encouraged by the progress he saw. Hernandez ran 10- to 15-yard sprints.
Both could play in games within the next 5-10 days, Kapler said.
• There is also optimism about Roman Quinn, who has been out since Feb. 27 with a strained oblique, though it is less likely we'll see Quinn soon. The injury may keep him off the opening day roster if he's unable to compile enough plate appearances to be ready for March 28.
• Tommy Hunter, out with a strained flexor muscle in his throwing arm, played catch. He will be on a throwing program and the Phils will take it slowly. He, too, is unlikely for opening day.
MLB
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