Bryce Harper injury: How long is Phillies star out for? Latest update on return date

Bryce Harper is yet to return to the team after undergoing Tommy John surgery in Nov. 2022. He is a crucial part of the Philadelphia Phillies lineup, and things have not been going well for his team in his absence.

While the layoff due to his surgery would have been lengthier had he been a pitcher, he should be able to feature at some point this season as a DH. The expectation is that Harper will be back playing by the All-Star break.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson shared a positive update in this regard on Sunday night. He disclosed that Harper will begin hitting the field next Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. Harper's progress is being strictly monitored, and his recovery will be gradually stepped up to include live batting practice and eventually rehab games in the minor leagues.

Bryce Harper-less Phillies yet to get going in new season

Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 02, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

The Phillies had a phenomenal run last year, reaching the World Series before being bested by Houston Astros 4-2. The team will hope to replicate that and go one step further, however, their start to the new campaign has been far from rosy. They lost the first series of the regular season to the Texas Rangers 0-3. They were handed heavy defeats in the first two games of the series, conceding 11 and 16 runs respectively. Pitching-wise the team stepped up in the third game, but it was not enough to secure a win.

The Phillies will have to do a lot better if they are willing to get back to winning ways, since the next challenge is a steep one against the New York Yankees.