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The Philadelphia Phillies and famous person Bryce Harper are nonetheless ready for a extra definitive timeline on when he’ll be capable of return to the group’s beginning lineup as he continues to get well from offseason Tommy John surgical procedure.
He’s additionally undecided if he’ll be capable of play within the outfield this season for the Phillies and could be relegated to full season designated hitter duty, through The Athletic’s Jayson Stark.
The preliminary timeline for Harper when he underwent the surgical procedure in November was that he would possibly be capable of return because the group’s DH someday across the All-Star break and probably reclaim his spot in proper discipline later within the yr.
That timeline stays unsettled, and the Phillies hoped to study extra on Thursday when he underwent a bodily.
Harper didn’t play within the discipline after April final yr and was restricted to solely 99 video games resulting from harm. He nonetheless hit .286 with an .877 OPS through the common season and was a dominant pressure within the playoffs on the plate, serving to lead the Phillies to a surprising World Collection run, the place they misplaced to the Houston Astros.
The excellent news for the Phillies and Harper is that they do have the DH choice as their disposal to probably get his bat within the lineup sooner. Harper, who was once in opposition to the DH rule, admitted on Thursday he is glad that they have that option and that he’s “all about it.”
Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and Darick Corridor determine to fill the outfield spots in Harper’s absence, whereas veteran Josh Harrison may be an choice.
When Harper is absolutely wholesome, he is among the most impactful hitters in baseball, already a two-time MVP winner earlier than at age 30. He most lately gained the award in 2021 with the Phillies. If Philadelphia can stay within the Nationwide League East race till he returns, he could be a significant addition to an already sturdy lineup.
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