PHILADELPHIA — Right now a yr in the past, Bryce Harper had by no means began knowledgeable sport at first base. Now, he is been named the beginning first baseman for the Nationwide League within the 2024 All-Star Sport.
Harper obtained the respect on Thursday evening when it was revealed that he was the highest vote-getter amongst all NL gamers in Part 1 of All-Star voting. Harper’s 3,277,920 votes trailed solely Yankees heart fielder Aaron Decide (3,425,309) total.
As the highest vote-getters of their respective league, Decide and Harper routinely bypass Part 2 of the voting course of, which begins on Sunday. Even with out Harper, Part 2 will nonetheless characteristic six different Phillies gamers — together with third baseman Alec Bohm, who was the one different NL participant to obtain greater than three million votes.
Whereas this marks the eighth profession All-Star choice for Harper, it will be the primary time he is truly performed within the Midsummer Basic since 2018. Due largely to accidents, Harper was named an All-Star simply as soon as from 2019-23 — and that got here in 2022, when he missed the sport as a result of a fractured left thumb.
Sadly for Harper, the All-Star nod got here on the identical evening that he injured his left hamstring on the ultimate play of the Phillies’ 7-4 loss to the Marlins. Whereas no replace was accessible on his standing following the sport, he’ll bear additional testing on Friday to find out the extent of the damage.
Harper can be making his sixth profession All-Star begin for the July 16 sport at Globe Life Subject in Arlington. He beforehand made three begins in proper discipline and two in heart.
If he’s in a position to make his All-Star begin at first base, Harper would be a part of Corridor of Famers Henry Aaron, Stan Musial and Carl Yastrzemski as the one gamers to make 5 ASG begins within the outfield and not less than one within the infield.
Harper’s newest All-Star nod comes with the two-time MVP slashing .303/.399/.582 with 20 house runs and 58 RBIs (via Thursday’s video games). He additionally ranked third amongst all first basemen with 5 outs above common in his first full season at his new place.
Whereas Harper will skip over Part 2 — which is able to decide the remaining All Star starters — various his teammates are nonetheless within the working to play alongside him on July 16 in Arlington. The highest two vote-getters at every place (and high six within the outfield) from Part 1 superior to Part 2.
Bohm was by far the chief at third base in Part 1, whereas three different Phillies completed second at their place: shortstop Trea Turner, catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, amongst outfielders.
All vote totals will reset for Part 2, which begins at midday ET on Sunday and continues till midday ET on Wednesday. The winner at every place (and high three within the outfield) for every league might be revealed because the remaining starters at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The total All-Star rosters — together with reserves and pitchers — might be introduced on July 7.