Bryce Harper, the two-time National League MVP and phenomenal slugger for the Philadelphia Phillies, underwent Tommy John surgery last November to fix a torn UCL in his right elbow. The surgery had been successful. And now, despite initial projections that he would return as a designated hitter by the All-Star break in July, Harper has been making impressive progress in his recovery.
On April 5th, Harper took the field for batting practice, and he has continued to make strides in his rehab. During a recent practice, he was seen hard-hitting some pretty fastballs and sending them soaring, just four months after his surgery. This is enough to prove that the slugger may be on track to return to the ballpark soon.
Philadelphia Phillies star slugger may return to the ballpark soon
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Bryce Harper proved to be a force to be reckoned with last year. Despite a persistent injury that limited his throwing ability and relegated him to designated hitter duties. Nevertheless, the injury did little to slow down his batting. And during the postseason last year, he hit six home runs in seventeen games.
Bryce already hitting bombs four months after Tommy John surgery pic.twitter.com/K04dq9wu42
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 7, 2023
Now, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last November, Harper is well on his way to full recovery. In fact, he’s making such impressive progress that the Phillies have put him on the 10-day injured list rather than the 60. He could return to the ballpark earlier than expected.
READ MORE: “Prayers to Him”: Philadelphia Phillies Star’s Horrific Season-Ending Injury Leaves Fans in Tatters
While Harper is feeling great and is even hitting balls out of the park in batting practice, the Philadelphia Phillies are still being cautious with his return. According to ESPN, manager Rob Thompson has noted that the team is concerned about the possibility of Harper rupturing his elbow if he slides headfirst. But overall, the outlook is positive, with Harper himself feeling that his right arm is now stronger than his left due to the rigorous rehab he has undergone.
Phillies fans couldn’t be happier watching Harper hit it out of the park
For Philadelphia Phillies fans, the prospect of having Harper back in the lineup sooner rather than later is a cause for celebration. Now that Bryce Harper is gearing up to make his return to the MLB bullpen soon, fans are in awe of him.
Real life Superman
— The Phightins (@swaniard141) April 7, 2023
That’s why he’s HIM. pic.twitter.com/GI4oKHOw4t
— _phillies.nation (@philliesnatio11) April 7, 2023
— jpwhoa (@jpdubs79) April 7, 2023
While some are expressing their delight at his return, others are saying that he is built differently.
Harper is not a typical human being
kid had a full beard at age 17
dude is just built different
— Matt Biks 🇺🇸🗽☮️🌊☯️🇺🇦 (@MattBiks) April 7, 2023
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Bryce Harper is simply built different
— Governor Pritzker (@ThaGodPrizzy) April 7, 2023
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The first week of the new season hasn’t been kind to the Philadelphia Phillies. They lost their first as well as their second series against the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. Their upcoming series will be against the Cincinnati Reds, which will commence tomorrow onwards.
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