Harper Will Likely Skip Rehab Assignment When Cleared To Rejoin Phillies

Bryce Harper will return to the Philadelphia Phillies anywhere between mid-May and mid-July depending on who you ask.

When he does return following Tommy John surgery, he’ll likely go directly to Citizens Bank Park.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that they don’t plan on sending Harper on a rehab assignment once he’s medically cleared.

"Once we get clearance from the doctor, we'll see when he starts DHing, but it shouldn't be too far after that," Thomson said.

Before Thursday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Harper took live batting practice and also fielded ground balls at first base.

Though Harper will be utilized mostly as a designated hitter, he has indicated to the Phillies about his willingness to play first base.

Alec Bohm and Kody Clemens have played first base with Rhys Hoskins and Darick Hall out with injuries.

Thomson said that Harper will be visiting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed his Tommy John surgery on Nov. 23 somewhere around May 1. ElAttrache is the head doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“What the plan is really is that we cover everything that we need to cover prior to that,” Thomson said. “And then we talk to the doctor and figure out when it’s the best time to start DHing.”

The Phillies need Harper as soon as possible, but he must be healthy.

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