ALLENTOWN — Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper may be working his way back from one injury, but don’t expect to see him trotting out to right field at Citizens Bank Park any time soon.
Following his first minor-league rehab appearance as the designated hitter for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Harper had a simple response when asked if he thought he could play field when he’s back in the majors in September: “No.”
Speaking with reporters outside the home dugout at Coca-Cola Park, Harper explained that his plan “as of right now” is to continue getting plate appearances at DH as he prepares to return to Philadelphia.
The reigning National League MVP was relegated exclusively to a DH role with the Phillies when he was diagnosed with a partially torn right UCL in May. Harper was still finding success at the plate before he suffered a broken left thumb on June 25, landing him on the injured list the next day.
Tuesday night’s action for the IronPigs was the left-handed hitter’s first game appearance since then, and he picked up right where he left off. Harper launched two home runs and walked twice as the IronPigs downed Gwinnett 10-5.
“It feels good,” Harper said. “I was just happy to get back out on the field and be around baseball again.”
But even after the great start, Harper plans to stay in Lehigh Valley through Saturday.
“Tonight was great,” he said, “but at the same time, I need the at-bats. I need to be able to see pitches, see different guys, different angles. Understanding what my body’s going to be like, what my thumb’s going to be like and go from there.”
Hitting .318/.385/.599 in the majors so far this season, the addition of Harper to the Phillies will be a huge addition for a club trying to make an NL Wild Card push — even if it’s only coming at DH.
“They’re playing great,” Harper said. “Being able to watch them over the last couple months kind of grind it out and play as a team, understanding that each guy that’s coming up is next man up. I think being able to watch them see that just shows how together our group is up there, and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
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