Bryce Harper Unsure of Timetable for His Return

Bryce Harper has said that he is not as confident in his ability to return from injury as Nationals Manager Davey Johnson is. Johnson recently stated “Knowing Harp, I don’t think he’s going to need much [time rehabbing],” showing his optimism for his star player’s return.

However, Harper had a conflicting opinion, saying it “depends how I feel today and tomorrow,” so he clearly is not as confident that he will be ready to head out on a rehab assignment as Johnson is.

There is a clear difference in ideology here. Harper, who usually plays hard day in and day out, seems hesitant to return, while his manager wants him back soon, and thinks it can be done.

This can probably be attributed to a number of things, but one of them is likely Harper’s desire to remain healthy long term, which he has struggled to do so far in his career due to his hard-nosed style. Contrary to that, Johnson wants his phenom back, which is understandable.

And despite Johnson’s later comments that ” it’s my job to know when they’re ready and when they’re not,” I would trust Harper’s opinion more than I would Johnson’s. He knows his body, and if he is ready or not. And if there is one thing Harper is not, it is lazy. If he was ready, he would be back as soon as possible.

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