Harper Could Make Surprise Return to Philadelphia Phillies Much Earlier Than Expected

The timeline for Bryce Harper return appears to be shorter than expected.

The Philadelphia Phillies were fully aware that Bryce Harper was going to be out for a while recovering from offseason Tommy John surgery.

Most early reports had him returning around mid-July.

Recently, that timeline has changed, possibly as early as mid-May.

Truthfully, it’s anyone’s best guess.

On Sunday night, manager Rob Thomson told ESPN that Harper could begin hitting on the field at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday. He would then progress to live arm at-bats and then Minor League at-bats.

Thomson said Harper is “doing really well” in his recovery.

This is hardly a surprise.

Harper despises sitting out and has always come back earlier than expected.

Remember last season when he was hit in the face? Harper was hardly fazed.

Watching the Phillies start the season 0-3 has to be excruciating for Harper.

Harper also knows that he must be wise in his recovery. If he rushes too much, there could be setbacks.

“Still got a minute to go,” Harper said. “Just trying to be smart about it, understanding my good days are going to be good and some days, I’ll just be sore and it’ll be a little tougher. But I feel good right now, just got to keep that going and keep doing the same stuff.”

The Phillies need Harper. They know it. He knows it.

If the recovery takes a bit longer than expected, thar’s OK. Better to have Harper healthy than to play five or 10 games and find himself right back on the injured list.

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