Bryce Harper Returns From Injury Months Ahead Of Schedule

LOS ANGELES, CA — In a stunning development, injured Phillies superstar Bryce Harper has been cleared to return to game action weeks ahead of his estimated timetable for recovery. Harper has been traveling with the team all season, taking batting practice on field before games, and is expected to be in the starting lineup against the Dodgers Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Harper underwent surgery for a torn UCL ligament in his elbow on Nov. 23, 2022, shortly after the World Series ended. Initial estimates had him back with the team after the All Star break during the second week in July.

Harper's return Tuesday night — May 2 — means he's back roughly nine weeks before doctors expected him to be.

"Aye Pham," Harper wrote on Instagram Monday. "You ready?"

There is a caveat. Harper isn't quite ready to play the field yet, as his arm is still recovering. It's not clear exactly when that will happen. For now, he'll slot in as the team's every day designated hitter. When he's ready to field, the Phillies have indicated he will slot in at first base, at least to start, as the team has a glaring hole at the position with injuries to Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall, and it does not requiring the arm health that Harper's typical right field does.

With Harper back at DH, here's how a potential Phillies lineup could shake out, considering that manager Rob Thomson likes to separate his lefties:

1. Bryson Stott SS

2. Trea Turner 2B

3. Bryce Harper DH

4. Nick Castellanos RF

5. Kyle Schwarber LF

6. Alec Bohm 1B

7. Brandon Marsh CF

8. JT Realmuto C

9. Edmundo Sosa 3B

After a slow start, the Phillies roared back to .500 ball with a series win over the Houston Astros over the weekend. Harper's return to action is at 9:10 p.m. tonight in Los Angeles. He'll be back in Philly next on Friday when the team hosts the Boston Red Sox at 7:05 p.m. It'll be a wild night in south Philly, as the Sixers take on that other Boston team at home in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.