Harper Hits On Field With Phillies For First Time Since Surgery

Bryce Harper hit on the field before Tuesday’s game against the New York Yankees.

That’s huge news for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Without Harper, the Phillies have slid to a 1-5 start this season.

Last November, Harper had Tommy John surgery and while the prognosis was positive, his return was expected to be anywhere between mid-May and mid-July.

Clearly, the Phillies need him.

"He feels great. It's not hitting we're concerned about, it's sliding," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said of Harper. "We got to get clearance from the doctor on that one first 'cause if he slides headfirst he could rupture, and we're back to square one."

The Phillies haven’t been 1-5 to start a season since 2007. They did, however, rally to make the playoffs.

Harper, a two-time National League Most Valuable Player, had surgery on Nov. 23.

Even when Harper returns, he’ll come back as a designated hitter like he was last season when the Phillies earned a wild card berth and advanced all the way to the World Series.

"He feels like his right arm is stronger than his left right now because he's done so much rehab on it," Thomson said.

The tricky part for the Phillies is to make sure not to rush Harper back into the lineup. The last thing they want is a setback with such high expectations for this team.

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