Rob Thompson’s most recent update on the Philadelphia superstar suggests a return is on the horizon. The Philadelphia Phillies had a fright earlier this week when superstar slugger Bryce Harper was hit in the arm by a 95-mph fastball against the Atlanta Braves. It created no little amount of debate between the two NL East rivals despite Spencer Strider’s apparently upset reaction to his pitch straying too deep inside. Scans revealed no serious injuries, and Harper was diagnosed with an elbow contusion that caused him significant pain but did not appear to keep him out for long.
Harper missed the rest of Tuesday’s game due to an injury, and Wednesday was a rest day. On Thursday manager Rob Thompson delivered a positive update on his star player, implying a return is imminent. “Not sure,” Thompson responded when asked if Harper would play in the second half of Thursday’s doubleheader between the Phillies and the Braves. “But he is doing better. He came in for treatment yesterday, and I suppose he is still there. Still had edema and was in agony. But it was much better than we had anticipated. “He is making progress.”
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Thompson said that Harper might be ready for Game 2 but was “probably” not in the lineup to pinch hit in the first leg of the doubleheader.
Harper’s imminent return to the lineup is certainly a huge relief for the Phillies. He is hitting. Philadelphia has 267 at-bats this season, with eight home runs and 33 RBI, and is tied for baseball’s second-best record. Fans are unlikely to see Harper today afternoon, with Game 1 starting at 1:05 p.m. ET, but the first pitch is scheduled for Thursday night at 6:45 p.m.
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