Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper will have thumb surgery and miss at least six weeks but intends to play again this season, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
The two-time MVP outfielder went on the injured list Sunday, one day after a pitch from San Diego Padres starter Blake Snell broke Harper’s left thumb.
The Philadelphia Inquirer and USA Today said Harper is targeting a return date of mid-to-late August, hoping that the Phillies (39-35 entering Tuesday) are still in contention for at least a National League wild-card spot.
Harper, 29, has put up MVP-worthy numbers this season despite being mostly limited to a designated hitter role while playing through a UCL tear in his right elbow. The six-time All-Star is hitting .318 with a .985 OPS, 15 homers, 21 doubles and 48 RBIs in 64 games.
He is a career .281/.391/.528 hitter with 282 homers and 800 RBIs in 1,347 games with the Washington Nationals (2012-18) and Phillies.
–Field Level Media