When the Phillies lost reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper to a broken thumb in June, it seemed their hopes for a spot in the postseason had all but evaporated.
However, Philadelphia has held firm in the two months since Harper’s injury. As of Aug. 22, the Phillies are 66-55 and sit 1.5 games ahead of the Brewers for the NL’s final wild card berth.
Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins and JT Realmuto have kept the lineup ticking in Harper’s absence. That might not have to be the case for much longer, though. Harper is approaching full health and looks set for a rehab stint in the minors. That’s good news for a Philadelphia squad that still has a way to go before cementing its spot in the expanded playoff field.
Here’s the latest on Harper’s return from injury.
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When will Bryce Harper return?
Per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Harper will be linking up with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate on Tuesday. He’ll take part in each of the IronPigs’ games from Tuesday-Saturday before sitting out Sunday. Depending on how Harper feels, he could return to the big league club as early as next Monday.
Harper was on pace for another MVP-caliber season prior to going down with his wrist ailment. With a .318/.385/.599 slash line in 275 plate appearances, Harper was the fulcrum behind Philadelphia’s offense during the first quarter of the season. If he can return to even a modicum of that level, the Phillies should be well-equipped to solidify their place in the expanded wild card field.
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