It's an exciting time to be a baseball fan as the 2025 MLB season is just over a month away. All 30 clubs have begun their spring training activities and that includes the Philadelphia Phillies, who held their first group workout on Monday morning.
Fans haven't had a chance to see the Phillies since their Division Round loss to the New York Mets in October. There have been several months to process that elimination, giving the Philadelphia fanbase enough time to feel excited about seeing baseball action once again — even if it's only spring training.
Unfortunately, one key player was absent from the first offseason group workout.
Phillies Spring Training: Bryce Harper Misses 1st Group Workout
The Athletic's Matt Gelb is reporting that first baseman Bryce Harper was absent from the Phillies' first group practice due to an illness.
First Phillies full-squad workout today. Bryce Harper is ill, so he’s been excused. Trea Turner is not here yet; his wife recently had a baby. He should be on the field Wednesday.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 17, 2025
It's the time of the year when people are often coming down with viruses, so Harper's illness isn't anything out of the ordinary. Hopefully, a full day's rest helps the two-time NL MVP reach a quick recovery so that he can rejoin his Phillies teammates as soon as possible.
Harper, 32, is coming off a healthy campaign that featured his most appearances (145) since his first season with the Phillies. The Las Vegas, NV native turned back the lock as he finished the 2024 campaign with 30 home runs, 87 RBIs, 76 walks, a 4.8 WAR, and a .285/.373/.525 slash line while earning MLB All-Star and Silver Slugger honors.
A healthy and productive Harper is integral to any potential success the Phillies will see in 2025. It's paramount for him to be in the lineup as often as possible, meaning giving him as much time to rest during spring training isn't a bad idea.
As inconvenient as an illness can be, the future is still bright for Harper & Co. The Phillies will head into the remainder of spring training tied for the fourth-best 2025 World Series odds (+1100) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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