PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper sat playing a third game in a row as he recovered from one game Platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow, and Philadelphia Phillies slugger may not play on the field again until the end of July.
Current National League MVP, Harper said he hopes to return at some point in Philadelphia’s three-game series against the Padres. He did not play in Tuesday’s 0-3 loss. The Phillies and Padres wrapped up the series on Thursday afternoon.
Harper had to have an injection on Sunday because a minor tear in the posterior cruciate ligament of his throwing elbow forced him to act as designated hitter. He hasn’t played on the field since April 16 and will remain DH whenever he returns.
Phillies manager Joe Girardi on Wednesday said doctors say Harper shouldn’t throw for at least six weeks.
“I think he has some real explanations. I think that really puts him at peace,” Girardi said. “I think he has to wait, but anyway he can’t do much until six weeks. He will just focus on hitting. I think the concern for the player is when closer to actually trying something.”
The 29-year-old is hitting the 0.305 ball with nine home runs, 14 doubles, 27 RBIs and a 0.634 slip rate. Harper could have spent part of the season on the injury list if the National League hadn’t approved the designated player this season. Girardi says there’s a chance the Phillies may have put him on the list as an arrestee.
