Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is one of the toughest players in MLB.
He had a dream postseason run in 2022 while playing with a damaged elbow ligament for months.
In late November, it was reported that Harper underwent Tommy John surgery to address the ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow.
The average recovery time from Tommy John surgery is not the same in position players as it is when there is a pitcher involved.
However, Harper will still be out for a few months.
Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski offered more clarity about the situation in a recent media appearance.
“On a segment on WIP, Dave Dombrowski said that Bryce Harper’s rehab has gone well so far. Said he should start swinging a bat around the end of March. Also said he should be back in the lineup right around the All Star Game (which fits with original timeline the Phillies gave),” Phillies insider Alex Coffey tweeted.
On a segment on WIP, Dave Dombrowski said that Bryce Harper’s rehab has gone well so far. Said he should start swinging a bat around the end of March. Also said he should be back in the lineup right around the All Star Game (which fits with original timeline the Phillies gave)
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) January 19, 2023
That timeline seems to be on the long side, considering he will start swinging a bat in late March and is projected to return to the MLB lineup in early July.
However, we can’t blame the Phillies for taking things slow with their star player.
The priority is to get his best version around August or September.
Still, there is a lot he needs to do and complete in his rehab before thinking about returning.
Dry swings, then hitting off a tee, then batting practice, rehab games: it’s a process, and Philadelphia is just making sure there are no setbacks along the way.
It remains to be seen if Harper will be cleared to play the outfield this season, but for now, the priority is to get his bat in the lineup by the All-Star break.
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