Bryce Harper takes batting practice on the field ahead of tonight’s game; Thomson discusses the main hurdle that still needs to be cleared

Bryce Harper took batting practice on the field at Citizens Bank Park once again today, ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Miami Marlins.

More On-Field Batting Practice for Bryce Harper

Harper is looking really good out there, which is honestly, pretty incredible given the fact that he’s about a month ahead of schedule on his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Still, Harper needs to clear a few more hurdles before we see him back in a Phillies lineup. Rob Thomson discussed the last main issue today, saying that Harper still needs to be cleared to slide on the base paths.

Rob Thomson acknowledged that Bryce Harper is probably ready to hit in game action, at least a rehab assignment, right now.

The hurdle remains when he'll be cleared to slide. There isn't yet a date — at least once the Phillies will say — on when that appt will take place.

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) April 11, 2023

Any bad head-first slide into a base could rupture Harper’s entire elbow and require another surgery. Harper is obviously ready to hit in a game setting, as we’ve seen from the multiple videos that have been released; but the main hurdle is sliding, and the Phillies don’t have an exact date on that yet.

The assumption is that Bryce Harper will see the doctor towards the middle to end of April, and he’ll give a true timetable on Harper’s return to the team. Enjoy watching Bryce hit bombs at Citizens Bank Park…he’ll be back before you know it.

Check out tonight’s full game preview here >>

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