Bryce Harper prefers to bat third, and the Philadelphia Phillies accommodate him.
However, this preference is creating a recurring issue: Harper often steps to the plate with no one on base and two outs.
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According to Ryan Spaeder, Harper leads all of Major League Baseball in plate appearances with two outs and the bases empty, having done so 59 times this season.
He has experienced this situation in 42 separate games, also the highest mark in the majors.
For comparison, the next-closest Phillie is Alec Bohm with 36 such plate appearances.
The problem is exacerbated by the team's lineup struggles, particularly Trea Turner's poor season at the plate.
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The Phillies have experimented with moving Kyle Schwarber and Turner around the top of the order, but the results have been mixed.
Turner's struggles have made it harder for the team to get on base ahead of Harper.
While Harper could face similar situations in a different batting order spot, the likelihood is lower if he were not batting third.
In the first inning, batting third guarantees a chance of hitting with two outs and no one on if the first two batters fail to reach base.
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Philadelphia would benefit from having Harper bat with fewer outs and more baserunners. Currently, that is not happening, and the team should consider adjustments to maximize his impact.
