By now, MLB players were supposed to be getting ready to play in exhibition games.
Under normal circumstances, they would have reported to their team’s camp by now, and would be running, stretching, shagging fly balls, taking grounders, and hitting in the cage.
However, the MLB-imposed lockout has taken a normal spring training away from all of us: fans, media, and most notably, players.
That doesn’t mean players aren’t working out on their own by now.
Philadelphia Phillies‘ star Bryce Harper is looking ready to take the field right now, judging by his physique.
Forbes contributor Nick Diunte quoted a picture of Harper with a fan, while he was riding his bike in Florida.
“Bryce Harper definitely doesn’t skip leg day,” Diunte tweeted.
Bryce Harper definitely doesn't skip leg day. https://t.co/8C3yjWFgwf
— Nick Diunte (@ExamineBaseball) February 22, 2022
Harper Is Ready To Play Right Now
The Phillies’ camp is in Florida, so Harper is just one call away from putting on his training gear and hitting the field.
That call may not come as quickly as hoped, though, because it depends on the negotiations between the league and the players’ union for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
In the meantime, Harper will keep training on his own, waiting for some positive news this week.
Harper looking already fit to play is not surprising, since he has shown, throughout his MLB tenure, he has the work ethic to be an elite performer for years.
The 2015 and 2021 NL MVP award will be looking to get his Phillies into the postseason, something he came close to achieving last year before the Phils ran out of gas and lost the division battle to the Atlanta Braves.
Harper hit 35 home runs and slashed .309/.429/.615 in 141 games last season, en route to his second MVP award.
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