Along with the implementation of the pitch clock this season, Major League Baseball has created a system where teams can formally apply for exemptions to the pitch clock in unique cases -- like, for example, when a player is expected to have a large crowd reaction prior to an at-bat.

Bryce Harper will play in front of Philadelphia Phillies' fans for the first time this season on Friday. Harper has returned from Tommy John surgery in record time.

The Phillies submitted a request for a clock exemption for his first plate appearance in the game against the Red Sox, The Athletic reports. 

In addition, the Phillies have concerns about Harper's ability to put on the large elbow brace he still has to wear on the bases. He wore it for the first time on Wednesday when he got on base five times.

He only wore the brace four times, because he was unable to get it on in time (before the next batter needed to get in the box to avoid a timer violation) the fifth time. He ended up running the bases without the brace that time. 

"I mean, we talked all the way up to Mr. [Rob] Manfred and they said we wouldn't have more time to do that," Harper said. "Pace of play thing, of course. It's going to be tough. … Sometimes it gets jammed or caught. I hope maybe some umpires have some feel about it. Some umpires usually do. I appreciate that out of them. But we'll see. I know they're going to try to give me extra time. I want to be able to get it on and get it going."