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Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper set to return against Pirates

By Zach Ciavolella

Jun 5, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) celebrates his game-tying grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) celebrates his game-tying grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to fight for a spot in the 2022 MLB playoffs, reinforcements appear to be coming in a big way. Bryce Harper will miss his 52nd consecutive game tonight as the team faces the Cincinnati Reds, but according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury, the reigning NL MVP will return tomorrow.

Harper has missed two months to the day after suffering from a fractured thumb after a pitch from San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell lost its course. In the time Harper has missed, the Phillies have managed a respectable 31-20 record in Harper’s absence; however, they’re a paltry 11-14 against teams with a record over .500 in that time.

On Tuesday, Harper began what was intended to be a five-game rehab stint. Just two games in, and the plan has changed thanks to the superstar’s play in Lehigh Valley. In two games, Harper has .625/.700/.1625 while hitting two home runs and netting six RBIs. Harper has certainly proved that he’s more than ready to return to the Phillies.

Bryce Harper will return to the Philadelphia Phillies against the Pirates.

Philadelphia has already secured the series win against Cincinnati; they now look to sweep the Reds, which, in conjunction with Harper’s return, would give the team an enormous amount of energy heading into the series against Pittsburgh.

The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the second Wild Card spot trailing the Braves by eight games for the top position. While they may not be able to catch up the Atlanta, with Harper in the lineup, the team should be able to hold onto the second spot in the Wild Card.

More importantly, the Phillies should be more competitive against higher-end competition. Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Schwarber have done what they can over the past two months, but the team still lacks an elite offensive presence. With Bryce Harper back, that will no longer be the case.

Before his thumb injury, Harper slashed .318/.385/.599, collecting 15 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 49 runs. Even if he can not keep up that type of production, even 80% of that would be enough to turn the Philadelphia Phillies from a playoff hopeful to a legitimate threat.

Harper will return to the DH as he is still dealing with a torn UCL, but his bat, more than anything, is what the Phillies need at this moment.

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