Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper to begin Triple-A rehab games

After a frustrating series loss to the Mets that was only compounded by further injuries, the Philadelphia Phillies have finally received some much-needed good news. Superstar Bryce Harper is ready to begin the next phase of his rehab and will be traveling to Lehigh Valley for a minor league rehab assignment.

According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, the Phillies’ slugger will begin his rehab on Tuesday, playing every day with the IronPigs until resting on Sunday. This news comes not a moment too soon for Philadelphia, who has limped their way to a 4-6 record over their last ten games.

Reigning MVP Bryce Harper has been missing from the Phillies’ lineup since June 26th after having his right thumb fractured by a pitch from San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell. Since then, the team has gone 28-20, but their energy has begun to waver over recent weeks.

Bryce Harper’s rehab stint is music to the Philadelphia Phillies’ ears.

Despite initially soldering on without missing a beat, the Phillies’ offense has begun to look noticeably soft in recent outings. The team has not scored more than four runs twice in their last 13 games and struggled mightily to plate runners against the Mets.

Before missing 48 games due to his fractured thumb, Bryce Harper was in the midst of another MVP-caliber season. The 29-year-old right fielder turned DH was slashing .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 49 runs. All that in just 64 games.

While it’s not fair to ask Harper to rejoin the team immediately at an MVP level, his bat will certainly be a vast improvement over the alternative.

Harper will play five games in total with the IronPigs as he works towards reacclimating himself at the plate. After those five games, the season begins anew for the Philadelphia Phillies.