Bryce Harper

The Phillies went 5-4 in the 10 days without Harper and Schwarber, although it felt longer.

Harper had a message for his teammates after he and Schwarber went on the injured list: "Cowboy up and play the game."

The Phillies placed two of their most important players on the IL on Friday, but league sources said both had avoided significant injuries.

Losing one, even for a few weeks, would sting. Losing both would put an immense strain on the Phillies leading into the All-Star break.

Harper smashed a solo shot in the fourth inning — striking an equalizer against the Mets — with the ball landing in the Billy Bonds Stand.

“Yes, absolutely and I've spoken to numerous people in MLB about it,” Harper said.

Harrison still has a ton of refining to do. But he's showing that he already knows how to compete and how to stand his ground.

Kody Clemens got some lumber from Harper, and delivered. At 26-11, the Phillies are riding a wave that generates unbridled confidence.

CINCINNATI — Bryce Harper rejoined the Phillies late Wednesday night, in time to poke his head inside the visiting clubhouse at Great American Ball Park after the Phillies lost to the Reds. His teammates congratulated him on the birth of his third child. Manager Rob Thomson found Harper and shook his hand. The Phillies had missed Harper for three days, but they were happy to give him his time at home. “He was in a good mood last night after he got back,” Thomson said Thursday morning. “Everybody’s really good.” They were even better Thursday afternoon when...

The pressure would be mounting for the Phillies if the pitchers hadn't saved the hitters in the first 17 games.

He started the season hitless in 11 at-bats, then cranked three homers Tuesday on a bitter-cold night, adding to his Philadelphia legend.

He bashed three homers for only the second time in his career — and the first time in nine years.

There are no active players with 500 homers, or 3,000 hits, or 300 wins. They're not just numbers. How long will it take to fill this void?

"I'm sure at times in life I bite off more than I can chew. But I ain't afraid to take a bite," Strahm said.

Rob Thomson has "zero" concern. But what happens if Harper’s back trouble is persistent enough that he can’t be a full-time first baseman?

The club is searching for the smallest improvements this spring. For Harper, that means learning the most mundane details of first base.

"I don't think I'll move back out to right (field)," Harper said. "I don't. But never say never." So, he's a first baseman. Maybe forever.

Only 62 days until pitchers and catchers report. So let's answer subscribers' Phillies questions.