Bryce Harper, the two-time MVP, is optimistic about returning to the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup next week. Speaking ahead of the series opener against the Atlanta Braves, Harper discussed his recovery from right wrist inflammation that landed him on the injured list on June 7.
“I think next week is definitely in play,” Harper stated. “But I don’t want to solidify which day or anything like that. But I’m happy with where I’m at.”
The Phillies are scheduled to return home for a three-game series against the Padres starting Monday and will have an off-day on Thursday before hosting the Reds over the weekend.
Harper made progress in his recovery by taking early batting practice at Truist Park prior to Friday’s game, following previous sessions in Houston earlier this week. Despite feeling fine health-wise, he noted some dissatisfaction with his swing during Friday’s practice.
“I didn’t feel great outside today, swing-wise,” Harper remarked. “Obviously, health-wise, I felt fine. But swing-wise, I didn’t feel very good.”
He plans to address these timing issues by facing live pitching on Saturday with assistance from Minor Leaguers Jack Dallas and Joel Kuhnel.
“We’ll see how he comes out of it tomorrow,” said manager Rob Thomson before Friday’s game. “We’ll see how he comes out of that, and then we’ll figure out what we’re doing.”
Harper expressed satisfaction with his physical progress despite minor aches around his wrist but emphasized there was no pain in the area that previously troubled him.
“If you had told me three weeks ago [I’d be] where I am now, I would have said you’re kind of crazy,” Harper shared. “So I’m very happy with where I am. I’m way farther ahead than I felt like I would be.”
The challenge remains ensuring this wrist issue does not recur later in the season as it did last year after disappearing during the offseason only to return in April.
“I don’t really know yet,” Harper admitted regarding preventing future issues. “I think it’s going to take us some time of playing and seeing kind of where I’m at.”
The medical staff has been instrumental in alleviating his wrist pain faster than expected through ongoing treatment and potential routine adjustments aimed at long-term benefits.
Despite these challenges, Harper is determined not to alter his batting approach significantly unless absolutely necessary.
“I don’t want to manipulate my swing at all,” he explained. “If I have to manipulate my swing in any way, then I shouldn’t be out there playing…I want to play at the highest percentage I can.”
