Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal, fans and owners express outrage
The Dodgers are acquiring Tarik Skubal in a move that leaves some in the baseball world calling for a salary cap.
Bryce Harper is moving back to right field to make room for trade deadline acquisition Luis Arraez in the Philadelphia Phillies infield, and told reporters Monday that he was more than willing to change positions again.
“I’ve said it in years past — and everybody thinks it’s crap when i say it — but any chance we have an opportunity to win, I’d do anything for this organization and they know that,” Harper said on August 3. “I texted Dave (Dombrowski) late last night and told him hey if anything pops up, make the move and we’ll see what happens.”
Harper has been the Phillies’ first baseman since 2023 after spending his entire career to that point in the outfield.
The Phillies landed Arraez, a three-time batting champion, to play second base from the San Francisco Giants early Monday morning. That will move second baseman Bryson Stott to third and third baseman Alec Bohm to first — pushing Harper back to right field.
“Obviously it’s a guy that won the batting title a couple years and somebody that’s gonna put the bat on the ball and an exciting player,” Harper said. “I think he just brings a lot to our lineup that he’s got that hit tool, and it’s somebody that can be really good for us.”
Representing the Giants at this year’s All-Star Game, Arraez was adamant about playing second base if he was traded ahead of the deadline.
“It’s going to be second base,” Arraez said when asked about potential destinations and scenarios. “I don’t like to go back to first base. I prepared my mind, I prepared my body only to play second base.”
Phillies lineup with Arraez
- Trea Turner, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Luis Arraez, 2B
- Alec Bohm, 1B
- Brandon Marsh, LF
- Bryson Stott, 3B
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Justin Crawford, CF