Harper returns, still hitless

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Bryce Harper hopes to change all those zeros soon. Naw, not the ones in his contract.

Back in the lineup two days after being hit by a pitch in the ankle, the Phillies newcomer with the $330,000,000 deal was hitless Sunday, leaving him with a batting average of .000 in spring training.

Harper is 0 for 8 in 14 plate appearances over five exhibition games in the Grapefruit League.

His goal for the final week in Florida? “Definitely getting a couple knocks,” Harper said.

“I don’t want to leave spring without a hit but if that happens, then March 28, here we come,” Harper said.

Cactus League results

Yasiel Puig hit a grand slam and a tworun homer for Cincinnati.

Corey Kluber struggled in his second start for Cleveland, pitching 32⁄3 innings and allowing five runs on six hits and two walks.

Madison Bumgarner pitched 62⁄3 innings in a start for San Francisco, giving up one run and striking out six.

Billy Hamilton had two hits and stole his fourth base for Kansas City.

Newcomer Daniel Murphy hit his first home run for Colorado. Chad Bettis allowed one run in 41⁄3 innings.

Chicago starter Jose Quintana gave up two runs in four innings.

Christian Yelich had two singles and raised his average to .500. Top prospect Keston Hiura had a three-run double in a fourrun eighth. Zach Davies was roughed up in his fourth start, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks.

Chris Taylor homered and doubled for Los Angeles. Rich Hill started and surrendered three runs on eight hits, pitching 42⁄3 innings.

Eric Hosmer hit a three-run double and singled for San Diego. Newcomer Manny Machado went 0 for 4 and is batting .148. Closer Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless inning, striking out two, and has yet to give up a run.

Matt Harvey made his third start for Los Angeles, giving up two runs in 41⁄3 innings. He has a 7.27 ERA this spring.

Cactus League schedule

San Diego Padres at Cleveland Indians at Goodyear, 1:05 p.m.

San Francisco Giants at Chicago White Sox at Glendale, 1:05 p.m.

Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies at Salt River, 1:10 p.m.

Los Angels Dodgers at Texas Rangers at Surprise, 7:05 p.m.