WATCH: MLB Network Insider Predicts When Bryce Harper Will Be Back

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is working his way back to the major leagues as he recovers from offseason Tommy John surgery. Harper is already hitting against live pitching and taking grounders at first base in an effort to get back sooner. Jon Morosi of the MLB Network predicts he could be back in the majors before June 1.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is continuing to work his way back from offseason Tommy John surgery and one MLB Network Insider predicts he'll be back before June 1st.

MLB Insider Jon Morosi said Friday on the network that he's bullish on that prediction:

"I'm very bullish on Harper being back in the big leagues before the first of June," he said. You can see Morosi's full comments below:

Are we nearing a Bryce Harper return in Philly?
Will he be taking on a new position?@jonmorosi joins #MLBCentral with the latest on the schedule that lies ahead for the 2x NL MVP. pic.twitter.com/O9pEpeZ56D

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 21, 2023

Harper has already been seen facing live pitching. He did that for the first time this week against rehabbing starter Ranger Suarez. 

He's also been seen playing first base in practice scenarios already. He's attempting to learn the position as a way to get back earlier and take stress of his surgically-repaired arm.

This position change, at least for this year, makes sense. The Phillies have already lost Rhys Hoskins to a torn ACL and now have lost Darick Hall to an injury for at least two months. 

Harper recently told The Athletic: “If I can give them whatever they want from first base, or right field, or whatever it is — not just this year, but going forward — it gives us an opportunity,” Harper said. “Whatever it is. Whatever they want. It gives them the option to do that.”

For his career, Harper is a .280 hitter with 285 home runs. He is a seven-time all-star who won the MVP award in both 2015 and 2021 in the National League.

He helped the Phillies advance to the World Series in 2022, where they lost to the Houston Astros in six games.

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