Bryce Harper could make shocking return to Phillies lineup much sooner than expected

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is on track to make an unprecedented return from Tommy John surgery, and could find himself in the team's lineup by early May according to the Athletic's Matt Gelb. 

That would be months sooner than anybody initially expected, and would be the fastest return from reconstructive elbow surgery on record. 

Harper initially underwent the surgery in November, with the Phillies initially hoping that he could return to DH duties sometime around the All-Star break. But even that was a vague timeline and wasn't set in stone. It was always possible that it would be longer than that, while there was concern he would not be able to play in the outfield at all this season.

While the latter point may still end up being true, the fact the Phillies could have his bat back in the lineup in a couple of weeks is a stunning development.

Harper has also been putting in some work at first base during his rehab.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Harper has a doctors appointment after the team returns from a west coast trip at the beginning of May.

“If we get clearance from the doctor, then we’ll see when he can start DHing,” Thomson said via the Athletic. “But it shouldn’t be too far after that.”

Harper, a two-time National League MVP, was limited to just 99 regular season games a year ago but still played a major role in helping lead the team to the World Series. He hit 18 home runs during the regular season before going on a tear through the playoffs that saw him hit six home runs in the 17 postseason games. 

The Phillies lineup has been decimated by injury so far this season, opening the year without Harper and Rhys Hoskins who will miss the entire season with a torn ACL. 

Entering play on Friday the Phillies are 8-12 through their first 20 games, thanks in large part to some early pitching struggles.

Harper might not fix those issues, but getting his bat back in the lineup months sooner than expected will provide a massive boost to the team. Even if he does not return in early May, he still seems on track to be back far sooner than anybody could have ever realistically expected.