Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper. (Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports)
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The Phillies will finally get Bryce Harper back from his broken thumb this week after he dominated his minor league rehab appearances.
The reigning NL MVP has been missing since June. It’s time for him to get back in the game.
Bryce Harper will come off the IL on Friday, interim manager Rob Thomson told the media on Thursday.
Assuming the Phillies want to plug him back into the lineup immediately, he will be available for the game against the Pirates.
Bryce Harper’s time torturing minor leaguers is coming to a close
There shouldn’t be much of a question on getting Harper back out there either. He has absolutely torn through the minor league competition in his two rehab starts. He had two home runs and six RBI while going 5-for-8 in those games.
It’s safe to say his hitting ability has not been hindered too drastically because of the injury.
Harper injured his thumb on June 25 when he was hit by a pitch against the Padres. He underwent surgery in July.
Even before the broken thumb, he was dealing with an issue with his elbow which limited him to appearances as a designated hitter.
Obviously the 2022 season has been far more difficult for him than 2021 when he won the NL MVP Award while maintaining an OPS of 1.044 and batting .309/.429/.615 with 35 home runs.
Still, he was hitting at a high level early in the season. He made the All-Star team while .318/.385/.599 and hitting 15 home runs. If his rehab appearances were anything to go on, he could come back and pick up right where he left off.
The Phillies have managed to stay in one of the wild card spots in the NL without him, but having Harper back should be a big boost.
