“Ohtani is the best player. I hope his physical condition is not bad. I want to see him continue to double as a pitcher.”
Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies) boasts a 13-year, $330 million (approximately 435.8 billion won) free agent contract. On the 29th (Korean time), in the 2023 major league home game against the LA Angels held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, he started as a 3rd first baseman, 1 hit in 3 at-bats, 2 RBIs, 1 run and 1 walk. did. He paid for his name by hitting one home run.
Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels), who only batted after the pitcher’s season out, also recorded 1 hit and 1 walk in 4 at-bats that day. He went on base twice, naturally meeting Harper at first base. MLB.com reported that the two had a natural conversation at first base.
The first baseman and the runner on first base have some time to talk while the ball is dead. This is because in situations where the score is not high, the first baseman often sticks to the base to check the runner on first base. However, since Harper has been at first base for the first time in a long time since the game against the Washington Nationals on August 21, the image of the two standing together at first base may have been fresh to fans.
Harper underwent Tommy John surgery in November 2022. After his rehabilitation, he returned in May of this year and mainly goes out as a designated hitter, but occasionally defends first base. Such Harper sincerely supported and encouraged Ohtani. Coincidentally, Ohtani was on the verge of undergoing his second Tommy John surgery since 2018. A fielder’s Tommy John rehabilitation period is shorter than a pitcher’s, but Harper is the player who understands Ohtani’s feelings the best right now.
“He’s going to make the best decision for himself,” Harper told MLB.com. Everyone will be excited about his free agency deal. Recent injuries have disappointed everyone. But he’s the best of all the players I’ve ever played with. I hope his physical condition is not bad. Even if he has surgery, I hope he recovers well and returns to Otani. Everyone likes him.”
Harper emphasized that he had undergone Tommy John surgery and rehabilitation, but that it was different from that of a pitcher, and that Ohtani had to be understood. “He’s done that before. His body works differently than other players. He has to throw the ball and he has to hit. I can’t imagine, but I hope he continues to double-hit. Because it’s fun to look at. He gives young players a chance to try, to be able to do that.”
Harper left a last word of thanks to Ohtani. “Ohtani’s two-battering career is special. I hope he returns with a strong body and continues to be like Ohtani.”
By: 와이즈토토