The Philadelphia Phillies have made a notable change involving star first baseman Bryce Harper as they attempt to halt a late-July slide during a critical series against the Miami Marlins.
For Tuesday’s game, Harper shifted to the designated hitter role, part of a reshuffled lineup that saw slugger Kyle Schwarber receive a day off . The move comes as the Phillies have lost six of their last seven games and eight of 11 since the All-Star break, raising questions about the team’s direction with the trade deadline looming .
The lineup adjustment placed Alec Bohm at first base, with Harper batting third as DH . Interim manager Don Mattingly’s decision followed a devastating 8-7 loss Monday night, when the Marlins rallied for three runs off All-Star closer Jhoan Duran in the ninth inning to snap a franchise-record 12-game losing streak . Griffin Conine delivered the walk-off hit for Miami .
While Harper’s shift to DH for the series was a tactical choice, the two-time MVP has also publicly acknowledged the team may need reinforcements . After Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara who threw seven scoreless innings Harper was blunt about the club’s needs .
“I think we need some help,” Harper told reporters. When asked if that help should be an arm or a bat, he responded, “I think both” .
Harper’s comments came as he revealed he brought his old outfield glove on the road trip, speculating that the Phillies could trade for a first baseman and force him back to the outfield for the first time since 2022 .
“Just in case they make a trade,” Harper said of the glove . However, he noted he has not discussed the possibility with the front office .
The Marlins’ victory Tuesday, powered by Kyle Stowers’ first-inning solo homer and Alcantara’s franchise-record 111th quality start, pushed Miami back to .500 at 54-54 . The Phillies, now 57-51, remain six games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East . They will look to avoid a series sweep in Wednesday’s finale .
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