Bryce Harper will be activated for Friday's game. Jun 13, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) hits an RBI double during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 MLB season began without slugger Bryce Harper aboard.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ star outfielder sustained a partially torn UCL in his left arm. The southpaw, as a result, can’t lace up his cleats and step in the box yet at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies fans will surely enjoy that day, as Harper made himself a franchise hero last year by homering the team into the 2022 World Series.

On ESPN’s first Sunday Night Baseball telecast of the 2023 season, Harper spoke about his recovery.

“Just trying to get my rehab going as best as possible,” Harper said, via MLB Trade Rumors. “Just trying to take it each day, make sure I hit every check point. [I’ve still got a minute to go. Just trying to be smart about it, understanding my good days are going to be good and some days I’ll just be sore and it’ll be a little together. But I feel good right now, just got to keep that going and keep doing the same stuff.”

Bryce Harper is one of MLB’s biggest stars. The former prodigy has collected two National League MVP Awards in his career and lifted the Phillies to their first NL Pennant since 2009. Literally, as he slammed an epic home run in the NLCS against the San Diego Padres last October.

The road didn’t end right the first time, but for Harper, hopefully, his road to redemption does.

[MLBTradeRumors]

About Chris Novak

Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022