Bryce Harper launches missile for first home run of season

Bryce Harper hit his first home run of the season vs the Marlins

The Phillies high-priced free agent addition’s first season in the City of Brotherly Love didn’t go according to plan, as the team failed to make the postseason in a crowded NL East. Nonetheless, a loaded lineup featuring Rhys Hoskins and JT Realmuto makes the Phillies as competitive as ever, especially when baserunners get on prior to Harper’s spot in the batting order.

In Sunday’s contest against the Miami Marlins, Harper ripped his first home run of the season to right field, and it left the yard in record timing.

The Phillies hope this is the first of many for Harper in 2020

The Marlins were dealt a tough hand ahead of Sunday’s game, as starting pitcher Jose Urena tested positive for COVID-19, along with at least two other position players. They’ll be forced out of action for at least ten days, and must test negative twice before returning to the clubhouse.

Harper, who had 35 home runs and 114 RBIs in his first season in Philly, will ultimately be judged by the Phillies’ team success rather than just his personal accolades. The Marlins, meanwhile, already had significant odds stacked against them heading into the 2020 season. Now, with a starting pitcher and several position players out for a solid chunk of the campaign’s first month, those odds are even greater.

Harper doesn’t mind twisting the knife.