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Phillies Notes: Harper’s possible return to full strength pushed back again

Bryce Harper’s return to full strength has been pushed back again. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Bryce Harper’s timeline for a return to right field has been pushed back again. The doctor who performed the PRP injection on Sunday recommended that Harper not throw for another six weeks, up from the original four-week recommendation. Since Harper will need time to build his arm strength back up — and that could take an additional three to four weeks — the Phillies slugger will almost certainly not be back in right field until after the All-Star Game at the earliest.

An August return is possible if all goes right. Late July is the best-case scenario.

There is a chance that Harper might not return to right field this season. The Phillies are hoping that that’s not the case.

“It’s worked before, but there’s no 100% guarantee,” manager Joe Girardi said on the injection Harper received Sunday.

Harper is considered day-to-day and could return to the lineup as the designated hitter on Thursday.

Mickey Moniak to begin rehab assignment

Mickey Moniak (broken right hand) will begin a rehab assignment in extended spring training on Thursday in Clearwater, Fla. He has yet to play center field for the Phillies this season after he was hit-by-a-pitch in his last at-bat of spring training.

Didi Gregorius (left knee sprain) is not ready to go out on a rehab assignment. He has not played in a game since May 4.

“We’re not to that point, but as time continues to go on and on, the more apt you are to making a player do a couple days just to make sure they’re OK just to get their timing back,” Girardi said.