The Phillies received some great news ahead of this Tuesday’s trade deadline: Bryce Harper had the pins removed from his left thumb, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He could start a hitting progression relatively soon as the doctors believe the fracture is healed.
MLB.com reported on Sunday that the Phillies are hopeful that “Harper can begin throwing at some point this week” if the pins are removed from his thumb. He received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on May 15 to heal a small tear in his right UCL. Prior to breaking his thumb on a hit-by-pitch from Padres starter Blake Snell on June 25, Harper was limited to the designated hitter spot as he was unable to throw without pain.
We should learn more about Harper’s chances of playing right field again this season as he begins ramping up for his return. Even if he doesn’t play the field, the Phillies will be thrilled to have Harper back in any capacity. Harper told reporters in early July that he hopes to return to right field at some point this season.
“I think we need to get the thumb figured out and get the elbow figured out when we need to,” Harper said. “I’m not going to rush the elbow. I don’t think there’s a good opportunity for me to rush it, but at the same time, if it feels good, I’m going to go.”
Harper did not provide a specific timetable for a return to the lineup, but he all but guaranteed that he will be back before the end of the regular season.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on June 29 that doctors estimate Harper will miss six to eight weeks. Next Wednesday marks six weeks since he underwent surgery. If the timeline is closer to eight weeks than six, then it’s possible Harper could return during the Phillies’ 11-game homestand from Aug. 19 to the 28th. Aug. 24 against the Cincinnati Reds would mark eight weeks since surgery.
The Phillies are 18-12 since Harper’s injury and hold the last wild card spot in the National League. They are doing more than just staying afloat without the reigning NL MVP. With Jean Segura likely to return this week and with Harper beginning to ramp up, the Phillies offense is seemingly in a terrific spot heading into the final two months of the season.
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