Apr. 22, 2024 17:11 PM EST

Phillies Put Hot-Hitting Bryce Harper On Paternity Leave Before 4-Game Series With The Reds

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after hitting an RBI-sacrifice flay against Chicago White Sox pitcher Tanner Banks during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Matt Slocum, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after hitting an RBI-sacrifice flay against Chicago White Sox pitcher Tanner Banks during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies put hot-hitting first baseman Bryce Harper on paternity leave on Monday before a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Harper has been a key piece of the Phillies' offense during their six-game winning streak. They finished the recent homestand with an 8-2 record.

The team didn't say how long Harper will be gone. He and his wife, Kayla, announced on March 26 that they were expecting their third child.

The 31-year-old Harper is on a six-game hitting streak, batting .381 during that span. He played his 600th game with the Phillies on Friday.

To take his place on the 26-man roster, Philadelphia promoted infielder Kody Clemens from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The 27-year-old Clemens has hit .270 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and 13 runs in 16 games with Lehigh Valley.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Topics

People in the Story