Bryce Harper is not wasting any time getting his fractured thumb surgically repaired. Interim manager Rob Thomson told reporters prior to Tuesday’s game against Atlanta that Harper would have surgery Wednesday, but did not offer details on who would perform the surgery or where it would be performed.
The good news is that Harper plans on playing again this season, most likely somewhere in mid to late August. It’s possible that the timetable will need to be pushed back to allow Harper time to build strength in his hand and get his swing and timing tuned up, meaning that a September 1st return might be a more logical timetable. It was unclear how soon Harper would be able to play defensively, but the primary concern is getting the most potent bat in the lineup back into the number three spot in the order.
Harper was in the midst of what appeared to be a successful defense of his MVP Award from last season when he went on the IL. With a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, Harper was limited to serving as the DH with Nick Castellanos playing in right field. Harper was batting 15-48-.318/.385/.599 in 64 games with the Phillies when he went on the IL.