Bryce Harper injury update: Mixed bag for Phillies

Bryce Harper broke his left thumb over the weekend. Per the Phillies, the NL MVP candidate will need surgery on said injury.

While the idea of Harper playing again this season is positive in nature given what appeared to be a severe injury on Saturday night, surgery is by no means predictable.

Harper handled the injury with class, even being sure to squash any potential beef with Blake Snell of the Padres before walking off the field. No retribution from the Phillies was necessary.

However, Bryce is now out long-term. After an initial surge to get them back over the .500, Philadelphia now faces an even greater uphill climb. Both the Braves and Mets are ahead of them in the NL East, and they’re without their best player.

Bryce Harper injury update

Harper will undergo surgery on his broken left thumb. In doing so, he’ll be out at least six weeks, and likely a little more due to rehab stints. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia had the update:

“Bryce Harper will require surgery to stabilize break. There is optimism he will play again this season after recovery of six weeks, give or take,” Salisbury reported.

Considering the length of Harper’s absence, the team could consider making a minor move in the outfield to replace him short-term. A rental piece would make a lot of sense.

Drew Koch of FanSided theorized that the likes of Ian Happ or Daniel Vogelbach could be affordable replacements for Harper, should the Phillies need one.