Harper Launches Spring Training Homer, Enters First World Baseball Classic in Peak Form

Bryce Harper's swing is ready for the World Baseball Classic.

Harper hit his first spring training homer today during the 7-5 loss to the Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. In four warm-up games, he has gone 3-for-8, batting .375, with two doubles, a home run, four runs batted in, three walks, and three strikeouts. Four of the six balls he put in play had an exit velocity of 94.8 mph or higher, with today's home run leaving the bat at 93.8 mph.

"Try to lock in on pitches in the zone, swing at good ones, take a walk when you can," Harper said. "I feel like I've done a pretty good job of that these four games."

Harper will fly to Phoenix tonight with teammates Kyle Schwarber, Brad Keller, and others to represent Team USA in the Classic.

"Really excited," Harper said. "Looking forward to getting there, meeting up with the team, and enjoying the game with so many great players."

Harper represented the United States twice as an amateur; this will be his first time playing for his country as a Major League player.

"We won both times when I was younger," Harper said. "Went undefeated in both tournaments. We had a really good team back then, good pitching, great camaraderie. If we go out and do what we're supposed to do, like you said, we have a chance to replicate that success."

"I know a lot of guys are looking forward to it. We have a great group, strong pitching and position players. It's awesome. Really looking forward to it."

Harper watched teammate Cristopher Sánchez pitch two scoreless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays today. Team USA could potentially face Sánchez, who will pitch for the Dominican Republic, in the semifinals.

"You have to be selective with your swings," Harper said. "His stuff is all over the place. He's definitely one of the best left-handers in the game right now. That would be a tough challenge."

Team USA is in Pool B alongside Italy and Mexico. Aaron Nola will pitch for Italy, and Taijuan Walker will play for Mexico, meaning the U.S. could face Walker at some stage.

If both the United States and Venezuela advance, Team USA could also face Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo in the championship round. Luzardo is currently on Venezuela's provisional roster and could be added to the final squad. Luzardo told El Extrabase reporter Daniel Álvarez-Montes that he has remained in contact with Venezuela's manager, Omar López.