Philadelphia Phillies Star Bryce Harper to Face Live Pitching This Week

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is set to face live pitching on Tuesday, when he faces Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez, who is rehabbing from his own injury. As Harper continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, the hope remains that he can return back to the lineup before the All-Star Break.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is taking another step in his return from Tommy John Surgery this week.

Harper will face live pitching on Tuesday when he faces the also-rehabbing Ranger Suarez.

It's the latest bit of good news for the Phillies and Harper, who hope that he can return to the lineup before the all-star break. Harper and Phillies management also don't think that Harper will need a rehab assignment, fueling more speculation that he can return sooner. 

It was announced last week that Harper would start working at first base in an effort to get back quicker as well, and he's already been seen working out there.

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He has just two appearances at first base in his career, both as a result of a team bringing him in from the outfield in a 5-man infield situation. He did come up as a catcher and third baseman, so he certainly has infield experience in his life, albeit not at this level.

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. 

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.

The Phillies are currently 5-10 and in fourth place in the National League East. They'll play the Reds today at 1:40 p.m. ET.

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