Bryce Harper Gives Update on Back Injury as Opening Day Looms

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for another potential playoff run in 2024 after falling short last season to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Phillies will look for former NL MVP and star first baseman Bryce Harper to lead the charge.

The 31-year-old slugger has dealt with his share of unlucky injuries over the last couple of seasons, but he comes into 2024 with the chance to play 140-plus games. Harper has been dealing with back soreness in Spring Training, but Phillies fans should not be sounding the alarm yet.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported Monday that Harper isn’t concerned about the soreness in his lower back and wants to be careful with Opening Day on the horizon. The star slugger added that he hopes to play by Friday.

Back issues/injuries are tenuous situations, so the Phillies are taking the right approach with Harper, as they need to make sure he’s ready for Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves. It’s not the first time the star power-hitter had issues with his back, as he missed a game last season with back spasms.

As for this current back issue, Harper reportedly felt discomfort in his back on Thursday after the Phillies played the Boston Red Sox. However, Harper said that he was fine.

The Phillies will continue to keep an eye on Harper's back as they don’t want it to become an ongoing issue throughout the regular season. The 31-year-old Harper is a contender for the NL MVP this year (+1200 on FanDuel Sportsbook). If he can stay healthy, the Phillies' star first baseman will have a good shot at winning it for the third time in his career.

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