Phillies planning to get Bryce Harper back quicker than normal

Phillies OF Bryce Harper still has no clear timetable for his return, but he may be back sooner than later if he skips a step in his rehab.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper hasn’t played since the 2022 World Series due to a torn UCL in his right elbow, and according to recent reports, he’s on track to recover to full health.

It’s just that no one knows exactly when Harper will be back. He underwent Tommy John surgery last November and has been rehabbing his elbow ever since. Philly chose not to put him on the 60-day injured list to start the 2023 season, a move that would imply Harper will be back by the end of May.

In the latest report on Harper’s health, Phillies general manager Rob Thomson said Harper may skip the usual minor league rehab assignment and head straight to the majors once he’s recovered.

Phillies may expedite Bryce Harper’s return, skip minor league assignment

Last year when Harper suffered a thumb injury, he spent only a very brief stint in the minors before rejoining the team.

Philadelphia may just be that desperate to get Harper back, and in this day and age, Harper can take simulated at-bats in the meantime to get himself game-ready.

Harper obviously still needs medical clearance and his return date is still a far stone’s throw away, yet all indications so far point to the star perhaps jumping on the fast track of his recovery period to re-enter the majors.

Currently, Harper is set to face Ranger Suárez in a simulated game on Tuesday in Chicago, per the Inquirer’s Scott Lauber.

Thomson reportedly said of Harper’s rehab plan: “I mean, if he’s swinging the bat well and he feels good, I say why waste it?”

The reigning National League champs could definitely use the lefty bat back in the lineup having trudged to a 5-10 record to start the season.