This is absolutely huge news for the 15-15 Philadelphia Phillies. Bryce Harper is BACK with the team and will be playing on Tuesday, May 2nd against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team could really use this pick-me-up!
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 19: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 19, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Matt Gelb, who writes for The Athletic Philadelphia, said he is seeing the doctor Monday morning, May 1st and may be cleared for action as early as Tuesday, May 2nd. They started their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night with a 13-4 loss.
And it’s true, after seeing the doctor, he was cleared to play after only 159 days removed from the operation.
Check Out Jeff Kurkjian’s Photos From Spring Training!
Bryce Harper Is Back, What Position Will He Be Playing?
According to ESPN, he will be hitting in the Designated Hitter spot for the Phillies in their game against the Dodgers at 10pm EST on Tuesday, May 2nd.
Breaking: Bryce Harper has been cleared to play by the Phillies just 159 days after Tommy John surgery, sources tell @JeffPassan.
— ESPN (@espn) May 1, 2023
He was initially expected to return in July and is now expected to be in the lineup starting at designated hitter Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/s9xxLpiJLa
Don’t Forget About This…
If you remember, Harper has been actually rehabbing and working at his skills as a first basemen as well to desperately fill a need for the team. Here’s a video from Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation.
Bryce Harper makes the play at first base and flips to a covering … Rob Thomson. pic.twitter.com/Sl76uDeBcF
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) April 22, 2023
He’s So Ready To Play, He Said On Social Media!
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 08: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on April 08, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The former Most Valuable Player posted on his personal Instagram with the caption “Aye Pham. You Ready?” The photo is him rocking a jersey and staring quite longingly into the camera. He wasn’t expected originally to return to the lineup until July but now it’s May!!