It was back in late November of last year that Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John Surgery on his elbow.
Despite playing through the elbow pain in last year’s World Series loss to the Houston Astros, said surgery was seemingly set to sideline Harper until at least the All-Star Break.
About that? Reports surfaced over the weekend that Harper could make his debut Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Southern California. The two-time NL MVP all but confirmed that with an Instagram post on Monday.
Harper’s ability to return sooner than expected is not only going to be a boon for the Phillies, but it also just goes to show us that he is not human. Typically, Tommy John Surgery sidelines players for a calendar year. And while those players are mostly pitchers, Harper’s return in less than six months is insane. He was originally slated to miss eight months.
Related: Why Bryce Harper is returning earlier than expected
Impact of Bryce Harper’s return on the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia enters this week’s action with a pedestrian 15-14 record after winning the National League pennant a season ago.
There have certainly been some issues as it relates to picking up the slack with Harper sidelined to start the season. Kyle Schwarber has struggled to the tune of a .209 average with a .751 OPS after leading the National League in homers a season ago. Jake Cave is hitting just .222 with one homer in 70 plate appearances, too.
- Bryce Harper stats (2022): .286 average, 18 HR, 65 RBI, .877 OPS
Harper saw action in just 99 games a season ago after winning his second NL MVP back in 2021. At least initially, the seven-time All-Star will take on designated hitter duties.
His presence in the middle of the lineup to go with J.T. Realmuto (.281 average, .773 OPS) and Nick Castellanos (.313 average, .878 OPS) will be big for Philadelphia.
Once Bryce Harper makes his debut against the Dodgers on Tuesday, it will also represent the first time he’ll be in the lineup with his former Washington Nationals teammate, Trea Turner.