Phillies' Bryce Harper makes first career start at new position on Friday

Harper has been relegated to DH duty dating back to last season. He received Tommy John surgery in the offseason, thus limiting his ability to return to the outfield. 

But the Phillies are interested to see if he can handle the defensive duties at first base—where he will not have to throw as often or as far—before they make any major decisions to try and add somebody at the trade deadline (or to see where they need to add somebody.)

Harper, normally an outfielder in the majors, has made two brief appearances at first base in his career as a late substitution but has never had the opportunity to start a game at the position. 

The Phillies got off to a dreadful start early this season after making a stunning run to the World Series a year ago. Harper played a massive role in that postseason success and when he is at his best can be one of the most impactful hitters in all of baseball. 

He hasn't performed quite to that level this season but does enter play on Friday with a .803 OPS in his first 63 games. He recently went through the longest home run drought of his career and has hit just four this season. 

The Phillies have had to piece together the first base position this season after Rhys Hoskins went down for the year with a torn ACL in spring training. Alec Bohm and Kody Clemens have received the bulk of the playing time at first base.