Phillies slugger Harper won’t play right field for 6 weeks

By: The Associated Press Posted: 3:40 PM CDT Wednesday, May. 18, 2022 Last Modified: 3:45 PM CDT Wednesday, May. 18, 2022

Advertise with us

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper sat out a third straight game as he recovers from a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow and the Phillies slugger may not play right field again until late July.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/05/2022 (1258 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The reigning NL MVP, Harper said he was hopeful of returning at some point in the Philadelphia’s three-game series against the Padres. He did not play in Tuesday’s 3-0 loss. The Phillies and Padres wrap the series Thursday afternoon.

Harper had the injection Sunday because of a small tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his throwing elbow that’s forced him into the role of designated hitter. He hasn’t played right field since April 16 and will remain as DH whenever he returns.

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) gestures from first base after hitting an RBI single during the third inning of the first game of a double header against the New York Mets, Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)

Phillies manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday that doctors said Harper should not throw for at least six weeks.

“I think he has some real clarification. I think it kind of put him at peace, actually,” Girardi said. “I think knowing that he has to wait, there’s not much he can do until six weeks anyway. He’ll just focus on hitting. I think the concern for the player is when it comes closer to actually trying something out.”

The 29-year-old star is batting .305 with nine home runs, 14 doubles, 27 RBIs, and an .634 slugging percentage. Harper likely would have spent a chunk of the season on the injured list had the National League not adopted the designated hitter this season. Girardi said there was a chance the Phillies might have carried him on the roster as a pinch hitter.