Dave Dombrowski reveals when Phillies expect Bryce Harper to return
Bryce Harper’s doctor pushes back recovery timeline as Phillies falter
Bryce Harper is mortal after all.
Last week, Philadelphia Phillies fans were overjoyed to read that Harper would be seeing his doctor this week in hopes of having the pins removed from his surgically-repaired thumb, the first step in working back from an injury that threatens to derail the entire season.
Unfortunately, the visit – exactly one month to the day of the injury – didn’t go as planned, and the pins remain in, per Matt Gelb:
“Bryce Harper saw the doctor today but did not have his pins removed. They’re shooting for next Monday. He is continuing to get treatment for his elbow and hopes to be in RF by the end of the season. But priority is DH first.”
While there was no guarantee that the pins would be removed at this week’s appointment, it still feels like a blow that they weren’t, especially after the Phillies spent the weekend getting knocked around their own house by the Chicago Cubs.
President of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, gave an update of his own on Monday evening, telling reporters that he “hopes/expects” Harper to be back for September, clarifying that he remains on the 10-Day Injured List rather than the 60-Day in hopes that he’ll be able to return ahead of schedule.
The other kernel of good news is that Harper could even be back in the outfield by the fall. Of course, if the Phillies don’t make the requisite moves at the August 2 trade deadline, Harper’s return won’t be enough. He’s counting on the team and front office to keep their heads above water while he recovers.
