The Phillies will get reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper back from the injured list for Friday night’s game against the Pirates, interim manager Rob Thomson said on Thursday.
Harper, out since breaking his left thumb on June 25, has been on a torrid run during his rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going 5-for-8 with two doubles, two homers, two walks and six RBIs in a pair of games. Although Harper was eligible to be activated from the 60-day IL on Thursday, he will take the day to work out before returning to the Phils.
Harper will DH once he returns and won’t play right field until 2023 because of a torn UCL in his right elbow.
That is OK for now. The Phillies are second in the NL Wild Card race. They need his bat.
Thomson joked that he texted Harper on Wednesday morning and said, “Look, your timing looks a little off. But keep working at it.”