Bryce Harper Is Making His First Rehab Assignment With The Ironpigs

Facing left-hander Jared Shuster, the Braves’ 2020 first-round pick, Harper took a cutter and crushed it into right-center. It was clearly lost off the bat and the right-hander just swung. And that was just the first of two. Harper later added a three-run shot. In between, he walked twice and grounded out to second base. Do you think Bryce is ready to return to the Phillies? In his first at-bat with the IronPigs, he smashed one deep to right field 😤💪 pic.twitter.com/Vo6KcOQPGM — NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 23, 2022 The plan for Harper this week is to play in five straight games against Lehigh Valley from Tuesday through Saturday before resting Sunday, then possibly returning to the Phillies’ lineup Monday in Arizona. He will return as the designated hitter because the small tear in the UCL of his right hand continues to prevent him from throwing without pain. Tuesday’s game was the Phillies’ 50th since Harper broke his thumb June 25 in San Diego. The Phils went 29-20 without him. Only the Dodgers, Braves, Mets, Astros and Mariners have won more games in that stretch. Subscribe to Phillies Talk: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Tailor | Art19 | Watch on YouTube