The highly anticipated return of Bryce Harper might almost be here.
While his comeback has been a quick, and rare one, The Athletic reported the seven-time All-Star will see Dr. Neal ElAttrache Monday morning in Los Angeles.
If he is cleared during that appointment, he is expected to return to the Philadelphia Phillies lineup as a designated hitter Tuesday night against the Dodgers.
“He’s pretty geeked up about getting out there and playing,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s itching.”
Harper remains ahead of his scheduled recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November. He played through his UCL injury during the entirety of the playoffs which sent the Phillies to the World Series.
During that time, he boasted a .349 average with a 1.160 OPS and six home runs.
During the last update on Harper, there were questions about his sliding capabilities. He continued sliding feet first so as to not sprain his arm, or worse.
Since spring training, Thomson has said Harper remained ahead of schedule but didn’t reveal timetables on his return just in case. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said throughout Harper’s recovery they were happy with his progress.
“He’s absolutely amazing. He’s a great athlete,” Dombrowski said. “He works hard. He’s focused. He wants to get back. I mean, it’s amazing what he’s accomplished. We have that next step (with the doctor to clear him). But the progress he’s made is phenomenal.”
Following his return in the DH spot, the prognosis has Harper returning defensively by the All-Star break, which is scheduled from July 10-13.
