Inside The Phillies

Report: Philadelphia Phillies Shut Down Bryce Harper's Throwing Program

Philadelphia Phillies' right fielder Bryce Harper will not continue throwing program in 2022.

Lauren Amour

© Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
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Don't worry, Bryce Harper is still set to return this season, but only as a designated hitter.

The Philadelphia Phillies elected to shut down the right fielder's throwing program due to continued elbow issues. This time, the diagnosis is stiffness, but discomfort in Harper's elbow has kept him out of right field since April.

The 2021 NL MVP is still hitting off of a tee, per NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman. But, the 29-year-old won't face live pitching until he has some more flexibility in his broken thumb.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson is still confident that Harper will return before the conclusion of the season. And with the way Philadelphia is rolling, getting him back would make them a dangerous team to face down the stretch and, hopefully, into the postseason.

Before he broke his thumb on June 25 against the San Diego Padres, Harper was on his way to another MVP-caliber season. He slashed .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI across 275 plate appearances.

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Lauren Amour
LAUREN AMOUR

Lauren Amour is Deputy Editor for FanNation's 'Inside the Phillies,' part of Sports Illustrated. Lauren formerly covered the Phillies for SB Nation's The Good Phight. Lauren is a graduate of Rider University in New Jersey.

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