Categories: Phillies Beat with Destiny Lugardo

The latest on Bryce Harper’s rehab, Kyle Schwarber

Bryce Harper is making progress in his return from injury. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

NEW YORK — Bryce Harper (fracture of his left thumb) is getting closer to a “Septemberish” return.

Manager Rob Thomson informed reporters that if all goes well for Harper on Sunday, he will take live batting practice on the field in Philadelphia on Monday. The next step in his progression — assuming there are no setbacks — would be to simulate high velocity in the cage.

After that, Harper will head to one lucky Phillies minor league affiliate for a rehab assignment. Thomson said the team hasn’t ruled out sending him to Florida for a more controlled rehab environment, but the team prefers him to see some higher level pitching.

“Getting him on the field is huge,” Thomson said.

Harper is still not throwing. The team scaled back his throwing progression last week after Harper experienced some stiffness in his right elbow.

It’s unclear how long it will take for Harper to get ready for a rehab outing, but it’s a good sign that the reigning National League MVP is nearing a return.

Update on Kyle Schwarber, Zach Eflin

Kyle Schwarber is out of the starting lineup for a third consecutive game with a calf strain. He will do some running and will be available to pinch hit again on Sunday.

“I don’t know when he’ll be back to a DH role or outfield role yet, but at least he can give us one at-bat,” Thomson said.

Zach Eflin, like Harper, is back in Philadelphia rehabbing his right knee. He last threw an up-and-down bullpen session last week. Eflin recovered afterward, but experienced pain in the knee while throwing. He hasn’t been cleared to throw off the mound again and the Phillies do not expect that to happen until at least after the roadtrip concludes.

If Eflin does come back — and that’s a big if — could he come back as a one or two-inning reliever or a starter? Thomson would not indicate either way since the team does not know when he’ll throw again.

“Time is shortening,” Thomson said.

Here are the starting lineups for Sunday’s series finale against the Mets at Citi Field.

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