Bryce Harper tore up his UCL in April, but with the designated hitter reaching the National League last season, the Philadelphia Phillies used it to their advantage.
Harper at DH helped propel the Phillies to their first World Series appearance since 2009.
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Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper, center, in the dugout before a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
But now that the offseason has arrived, Harper decided to go under the knife and have Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
nbc sports He notes that Harper can return to a full-time DH role in mid-May, but that will cost him around the first 40 games of the regular season.
Of course, the fact that he can be a DH helps him get back sooner: Pitchers typically miss at least a full calendar year after surgery, and it’s not uncommon for pitchers to miss two full seasons.
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of game six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 5, 2022 in Houston, Texas.
(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Fortunately, we have Shohei Ohtani, who throws Y DH to give us a taste of what’s in store for Harper.
Ohtani also submitted to Tommy John he underwent surgery in October 2018 and was able to start hitting in games in May 2019. So there’s a chance Harper could return to the Phillies in the same designated hitter role before he gets a chance again. in the gardens.
However, Ohtani did not release until 2020; however, he only made two starts and pitched 1.2 innings. He suffered a flexor strain and was unable to pitch for the remainder of that season.
Harper was named MVP of the 2022 NLCS: He went 8-for-20 (.400) with two home runs, including the pennant-winning dingier, and five extra-base hits.
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after losing to the Houston Astros 3-2 in Game Five of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 3, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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The Phillies have others who can produce offensively, including kyle schwarber, if Harper should sit down. But there’s no question she would miss her presence in the lineup if her surgery delays her start to the season.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.