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Latest Bryce Harper thumb injury update should give Phillies fans hope

By Gabrielle Starr

Sep 17, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) watches from the dugout during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) watches from the dugout during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bryce Harper’s fractured thumb requires surgery, but he could be back in six weeks

The latest update on Bryce Harper is good news and bad news.

After getting hit by a pitch on Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies revealed that Harper’s thumb is broken, sidelining him indefinitely. There was speculation that his season was over, that he’d be out until September, and that he might need surgery.

As of Tuesday, only one of the three is true. After seeing a doctor in Philadelphia, Harper will require surgery. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that his recovery might bring him back earlier than expected. His season may not be over after all.

According to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia,

"“Bryce Harper will require surgery to stabilize break. There is optimism he will play again this season after recovery of six weeks, give or take.”"

Regardless of how long his recovery takes, losing Harper is the most terrible blow the Phillies can sustain. Unlike the man in Beyoncé’s song, he is irreplaceable. Even with his teammates stepping up, replacing his power in the lineup is impossible.

The Phillies hope that Harper will be able to play again this season, but for now, they need to find ways to win without him. Unfortunately, as Matt Gelb of The Athletic noted, it’s an extremely uphill battle:

"“Roughly 35 games missed with about 50 to play if Harper hits this timeline. The NL six seed is currently on pace for 89 wins. Phillies are on an 85-win pace right now.”"

While an 85-win season would be the Phillies’ best record since their last division title in 2011, it would still underperform the high expectations coming into this season. Even though losing Harper is absolutely devastating, the roster the front office constructed this spring needs to come together and pull off the impossible.

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