Bryce Harper likely needs surgery to repair thumb, per report

Bryce Harper is expected to need surgery to repair a broken left thumb, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Harper hopes to play again this season at some point, but his return could reportedly come at the end of August at the earliest.

The severity of the fracture will determine what kind of surgery Harper will need and how long he’ll be out for. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures, according David Hay, a hand specialist Lauber spoke with for his story, could be repaired without surgery. A more severe fracture or a fracture within the two joints of the thumb would require surgery and “the recovery would be longer and more complicated.”

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that Harper visited a specialist on Monday and that an update is likely to be provided on Tuesday.

Harper took a 97 mph fastball from Blake Snell directly to the thumb on Saturday night against the San Diego Padres. He was immediately removed from the game. X-Rays later revealed that Harper suffered a left thumb fracture. The team recalled Mickey Moniak and placed him on the 10-day injured list on Sunday.

The Phillies were hoping Harper would dodge surgery, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. To stay in the National League wild card race, the Phillies will need contributions from all-around the roster and then some. The front office could look for some outside help via the trade market as the Aug. 2 trade deadline approaches.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Phillies 2022 Walk-Up Songs
2. For Mark Appel, ‘All Of This Is Gravy’
3. Nightengale: Talent Evaluators Predict Trea Turner To Sign With Phillies This Offseason
4. Bryce Harper Reveals What He Texted Blake Snell After Being Hit
5. 4 Lefty Relievers The Phillies Could Target At The Trade Deadline
6. IronPigs Could Leave Lehigh Valley Without Stadium Upgrades, Per GM
7. Before His Walk-Off, Rhys Hoskins And His Wife Jayme ‘Went Yard’ For MDA
8. Jean Segura: ‘I Would Love To Finish My Career In Philadelphia’
9. MLB Draft Analyst Keith Law Mocks Kumar Rocker To The Phillies
10. Bryce Harper On Trea Turner: ‘I’m Excited To See Where He Goes Next Year’