Philadelphia Phillies fans fear Bryce Harper could be rushed back from injury after slow start to season: "Do not panic and rush him"

Philadelphia Phillies v Texas Rangers
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper

The Philadelphia Phillies started the 2023 season without one of their best players, Bryce Harper, due to an injury sustained in 2022. Initial reports were that Harper would be out of action until around the All-Star break in 2023, but that was apparently a conservative estimate. Signs are pointing towards his return coming much sooner than that, causing a great deal of concern in the fanbase.

Obviously, every Phillies fan would love to have the former MVP and offensive threat that is Bryce Harper back in the lineup. The team is exponentially better with him hitting dingers at an absurd rate. The main concern that fans have is that he will return before he is fully healed, leading to the injury being reaggravated. Their 0-3 record is fueling these fears.

John Clark of NBC Sports shared the comments from Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson about Bryce Harper on Twitter.

The MLB world is better off when Harper is playing at full strength, as are the Phillies. Their slow start is not what many fans enviosened after falling just short in the 2022 playoffs, losing in the World Series to the Houston Astros. Without Bryce Harper in the lineup, their offense certainly lacks the punch it once had. Trea Turner has been an excellent addition, but can't carry the load on his own.

The Phillies' issues go beyond just their offense, having allowed 29 runs in their three losses. With only 11 runs of their own, it has been harder than ever to find the silver lining for Philadelphia Phillies fans.

The MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint, which the Phillies have to keep in mind. A slow start may hurt their chances of winning the division, but they proved that it isn't necessary for playoff success in 2022. The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves may be off to better starts, but the Phillies will still be a force to be reckoned with sooner or later.

The Philadelphia Phillies have not gotten to the start they hoped for, but they should not risk another injury to Harper to correct that.

Can the Philadelphia Phillies be in a playoff position without Bryce Harper?

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Texas Rangers
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Texas Rangers

No team in the league would be able to easily bounce back from losing their top player. But the Phillies need to do it soon or risk running out of time.

They are an incredibly talented team and need to string some wins together to not be too far out of the race by the time Bryce Harper is healthy.

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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
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