The Philadelphia Phillies have been without All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper for nearly a month as he recovers from surgery to repair a fracture in his left thumb.
Harper hasn't yet hit the six-week mark post-injury, which was the timeframe expected for him to recover fully. However, on Monday, the Phillies slugger could take a giant step toward returning to the diamond.
Before the Phillies' game Friday night against the Chicago Cubs, manager Rob Thomson said Harper would have his thumb re-evaluated on Monday. Thomson added that it's "possible" Harper has the three pins inserted during surgery removed.
Bryce Harper will have his thumb re-evaluated on Monday, Rob Thomson said. @JonHeyman had reported it would be next week. Thomson said he thinks it’s “possible” the three pins could be removed.
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) July 22, 2022
Harper has missed 19 games since being nailed in the left hand by a pitch from San Diego Padres starter Blake Snell. A week after the injury, Harper declared, "I'll be back," but that he also wouldn't rush his recovery.
"I don't want to give anybody a timetable because I don't know," Harper said earlier this month. "If I knew a specific date that I'd be back, I'd tell you. I just don't think it's fair to anybody. I'll be back when I'm ready to go."
The reigning National League MVP was well on his way to another standout campaign before injury interrupted his season.
In 64 games for the Phils this season, Harper is batting .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI.
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