Bryce Harper and the Phillies are saying he should be back by the All-Star break. The way that Harper’s progressing it seems plausible that he could beat that timetable, if there are no setbacks in his recovery.
Harper is taking swings via soft toss, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. He was cleared to take swings off a tee every other day a week ago.
The next step in Harper’s rehab process is to take batting practice on the field. Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters last week that Harper taking batting practice before the end of spring training is a possibility.
Harper is a quick healer and actually may make it back by late May. When he returns, he will begin as a DH.
“I don’t want to put timelines on anything because I’ve never dealt with anything like an elbow,” Harper told reporters last week. “It’s definitely different waters for me. Just trying to take it day by day and see how I feel.”
My prediction is that Harper makes it back by Memorial Day weekend. When he makes it back, the Phillies will be lethal.
Phillies star Bryce Harper. Photo courtsey of Philadelphia Magazine
