Bryce Harper Injury Update: Phillies slugger spotted running bases pregame, likely to return next week

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has been dealing with a hamstring injury. It has led to a 10-day stint on the IL alongside his teammate Kyle Schwarber.

The injury happened June 27 against the Miami Marlins. Harper came up limping on the final play of the ballgame in what was initially a scary scene given all the injuries that have occurred so far.

However, the injury was not as severe as it looked, and Harper could be back in the lineup as early as July 9. He was spotted running the bases ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves and looked good.

If Harper does return on July 9, it would be the first game of their three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That would be the perfect time to get back into the lineup.

Phillies have held it down without Bryce Harper in the lineup

Philadelphia Phillies - Bryce Harper (Image via IMAGN)

While some teams falter without their star in the lineup, the Phillies have not. They have gone 5-2 without Bryce Harper in the lineup, continuing their dominance in the NL East over the Atlanta Braves.

This gets even better when you see they have also been doing this without another important slugger, Kyle Schwarber. He suffered a groin strain the day before Harper exited with his injury.

The duo have combined for 37 home runs, being a large chunk of their offense, but they are not the only parts of the offense. Sluggers like Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos have stepped up and led the offense with its two stars down on the IL.

Given the team's recent success, there is no sense in rushing Harper or Schwarber. They can take their time on the IL and return when they feel 100% healthy.