Phillies Injury Updates: Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber
Yesterday, Bryce Harper posted a video on Instagram of him taking batting practice at Citizens Bank Park.
Harper has been out since June 25th after taking a Blake Snell fastball off his hand that broke his left thumb. After getting the pins removed from his thumb in early August, Harper is progressing and ramping up his rehab, which was on full display during batting practice yesterday.Â
Bryce Harper Batting Practice
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philly spoke with manager Rob Thomson yesterday before the Phillies opened up a three-game series against the Reds.Â
“It went well,” manager Rob Thomson said. “I just texted him. He said he feels great.”
Thomson said Harper would probably not hit outdoors on Tuesday. He’ll get back to that on Wednesday. Once Harper feels ready to take competitive swings, he will head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Thomson was asked if that could happen as soon as this weekend. He thought about the question for a moment and concluded that this weekend might be a little too early. It does sound like Harper could be ready to play in the minors sometime next week if he continues to progress.
It looks like if Bryce Harper continues to progress, he could begin a short minor league rehab stint as early as next week, which aligns with what Dave Dombrowski said yesterday as well, stating that the goal is to have Bryce Harper back in the Phillies’ lineup by September 1st.
You really can’t get a better September call-up than the reigning National League MVP.
Kyle Schwarber could return during Reds series
As for Kyle Schwarber, he missed his fourth straight game last night when the Phillies beat the Reds 4-3 in Cincy. Schwarber was however, available to pinch hit and took batting practice with the team. Thomson also mentioned that Schwarber could serve as the Phillies’ DH in the series against the Reds if needed.
Up Next for the Phillies
Phillies will face the Reds again tonight, and then play an afternoon game Wednesday before returning to Citizens Bank Park to take on the New York Mets.
