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Philadelphia Phillies: Darick Hall has been a best-case scenario to replace Bryce Harper

By Tim Boyle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 30: Darick Hall #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was Halls second home run of the game as the Phillies defeated the Braves 14-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 30: Darick Hall #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 30, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was Halls second home run of the game as the Phillies defeated the Braves 14-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Losing Bryce Harper was a huge blow to the hopes and dreams of Philadelphia Phillies fans hoping to see the team do something special this year. Although he was limited to mostly just DH duties all year, it took away their best hitter from the lineup.

In his absence, Kyle Schwarber has been red hot but he has gotten a little help from a guy nobody saw coming. Darick Hall, a 26-year-old slugging rookie who will turn two later this month, graduated from Triple-A to the majors last week. All he did was get right into the action.

Hall’s first two hits in the major leagues came against the Atlanta Braves and landed for home runs. His third hit, a day later, was a home run versus the St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies seem to have stumbled onto the best-case scenario in Harper’s absence.

Darick Hall is giving the Philadelphia Phillies offense plenty of power early on.

How long will the power last? Darick Hall managed to smack 20 home runs in only 315 trips to the plate for Lehigh Valley before his promotion. It was an increase from the 14 he hit all of last year in 470 opportunities to go yard.

Better than just the increased long ball, Hall also upped his average from .230 to .269, increased his OBP from .338 to .346, and saw his slugging percentage soar from .403 to .548.

Although not a prospect and more of a minor leaguer whose bat does all of the talking, Hall’s production has been a much-welcomed addition minus the reigning National League MVP. He can deliver bombs from the left side. If that’s all he brings to the table, it’s just good enough for the Phillies to get closer to the trade deadline and maybe look to add a little more depth then patiently wait for Harper to return.

Hall is an overall imperfect fit for the Phillies because of the position he plays. Mostly a first baseman with a few innings as a corner outfielder, he is blocked by Rhys Hoskins and other sluggers on this team. It’s not impossible for the Phillies to continue carrying him when Harper does return. It might, however, not be the wisest decision if they want a team that can do a little more of everything.

Next. All-time Phillies starting lineup. dark

Whatever Hall can give this year’s team is a bonus. He wasn’t an ingredient anyone expected to help them win games. He slipped into the salt shaker in a time of need. So far, it has been a fun ride. When are home runs at this frequency from a rookie not a joy?

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