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Phillies celebrity Bryce Harper performed via a torn UCL in his proper elbow for the overwhelming majority of the 2022 MLB season. That’s why he was their designated hitter for all however eight video games with the latest look in proper subject coming April 16. The Phillies made it identified earlier this month that Harper would have surgical procedure to restore the UCL and he certainly underwent Tommy John surgical procedure on Wednesday, the crew introduced.
The crew indicated that the reigning NLCS MVP may doubtlessly return across the All-Star break for DH duties after which play proper subject towards the top of the season. .
If the restoration timeline appears aggressive after having Tommy John surgical procedure, it is in all probability as a result of we’re used to seeing pitchers take 12-18 months, or extra, in getting back from the process.
Harper swung the bat fairly nicely via final season with the damage and it is potential he’ll get all his vary of movement and the power wanted to swing earlier than he can let unfastened with throws from proper subject. That means, because the crew introduced, he’ll come again as a DH earlier than shifting out to proper subject. We know the Phillies are ready to take care of that actuality since they only did it.
It additionally would not be stunning to see Harper beat the timetable, as he is achieved so earlier than with different accidents.
Harper, 30, hit .286/.364/.514 (145 OPS+) with 28 doubles, 18 homers, 65 RBI, 63 runs, 11 steals and a couple of.5 WAR in 99 video games final season. Remember, he additionally suffered a fractured thumb after being hit by a pitch and that price him two months. He then hit .349/.414/.746 with seven doubles, six residence runs, 13 RBI and 12 runs in 17 playoff video games because the Phillies made a run to the World Series.
In the common season, the Phillies went 87-75, however in addition they confirmed they’ll survive with out Harper. They went 32-20 when he was out with the damaged thumb. Obviously, nonetheless, they’re a significantly better crew with him within the lineup and if issues go nicely, that’ll be from someday across the All-Star break via the remainder of the season in 2023.
