Bryce Harper, who is working his way back from a broken left thumb, is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.
It’s sooner than expected, thanks to the power show he put on at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this week.
Harper’s timeline to return to the Phillies lineup was expected to be Monday, but his complete dominance at Triple-A forced the wild-card hopeful Phillies to call him up earlier.
Bryce Harper heads out on the field earlier this weesk during the beginning of his rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. AP
Harper went 5-for-8 with two homers, two doubles, three runs scored, six RBIs, two walks, and a ridiculous 2.325 OPS in his two minor league games against the Gwinnett Stripers.
”I think any time you go out there and you’re able to put the bat on the ball and have good at-bats, see pitches, compete at a high level, it’s always good,” Harper said after Tuesday’s 10-5 win over Gwinnett.
The 29-year-old Harper, who injured his thumb on June 25, likely will provide an offensive boost for a Philadelphia team in the thick of the wild-card race.
Harper said he won’t be able to play right field because of a torn UCL in his right elbow, but his .318 average with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and a .985 OPS this season still will be a welcome addition for the Phillies.
It wasn’t all good news on Thursday for the Phillies, however.
Zack Wheeler was placed on the 15-day injured list because of right forearm tendinitis. The Phillies announced the move a couple of hours after interim manager Rob Thomson told reporters that Harper would come off the IL and play Friday.
The former Mets right-hander, 32, has an 11-7 record with a 3.07 era, both numbers tops in the Phillies’ rotation.
Wheeler has struggled of late, allowing 10 runs on 14 hits total in back-to-back losses to his former team. He was scheduled to pitch Friday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates but lefty Bailey Falter will now go in his place.
