Latest Instagram Post from Bryce Harper Energizes Philadelphia Phillies Fans

Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper created an Instagram post earlier this week, teasing his return to the team's lineup. The 2021 National League MVP will make his home debut at Citizens Bank Park Friday night, in the first contest of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.

Philadelphia Phillies star and 2021 National League MVP Bryce Harper is back.

Earlier this week, Harper created an Instagram post, teasing his return.

The photo Harper posted showed the Phillies star in his uniform and Phillies' headband. He captioned the post, "Aye Pham. You ready?"

Harper returned from Tommy John surgery months earlier than expected. Tuesday night, he made his first appearance of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, batting third in the Phillies' lineup and filling the club's role as designated hitter.

Harper went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in his 2023 debut, and the Phillies went on to lose 13-1. Still, the activating Harper from the Injured List will likely be the highest impact transaction the Phillies will make all season. Last season Harper helped lead the Phillies to their first World Series appearance since 2009. The Phillies fell to the Houston Astros in six games, but greatly exceeded expectations, win a National League Pennant as the last team in to the NL Playoffs.

After adding shortstop Trea Turner, closer Gregory Soto and starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, the Phillies hope to take the next step in 2023, and win their first World Series title since 2008.

The defending NL champions are off to a slow start, though. Through 31 games, Philadelphia is just 15-16, 5.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves for the National League East division lead. The return of Harper will not only provide an offensive spark to the Phillies' lineup, but it will undoubtedly energize the Philly fan base.

The Phillies will wrap up their three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday afternoon, before receiving an off-day Thursday. Friday, Harper will make his highly-anticipated return to Citizens Bank Park, where he will certainly be met with a warm welcome.

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