Phillies provide discouraging update on Bryce Harper's injury
All-Star Bryce Harper dealt with an elbow injury for most of the 2022 season, and on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies provided an inauspicious update on the slugger's status for 2023.
Speaking during the Phillies end of season media availability, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced that Harper would have surgery next week in Los Angeles performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
What isn't yet known is the extent of Harper's injury, which Dombrowski added that the Phillies wouldn't know until the operation takes place.
"We have no prognosis really until he goes into the elbow and takes a look at it," Dombrowski said. "Something will happen. I think it will slow him down for the season, but we'll know more next week."
Harper's uncertain timetable for return may force the Phillies to lean on Darick Hall again to fill the DH void.
Last season, Hall provided some much need power with Harper out of action, finishing with nine home runs and 16 RBI. However, Hall slashed just .250/.282/.522 and walked only five times in 41 games.
With only a few viable options at DH and Harper's status still up in the air, Dombrowski admitted that it might change how the Phillies approach the free-agent market.
"In the back of our mind, there will be discussions of, 'What do we do if?' Dombrowski said. "Which may be nothing because we're in a situation that, right now, we're looking at him coming back and DH-ing for some portion."
Harper played eight games in right field before switching to DH full-time in early April. In June, Harper suffered a broken left thumb after being hit by a pitch, forcing him to miss 52 games following surgery.
Despite the injuries, Harper was still able to post some solid numbers. Over 99 regular season games, Harper finished with 18 home runs and 65 RBI, batting .286/.364/.514.
Harper helped the Phillies reach the World Series, winning NLCS MVP while batting .349/.414/.746 with six home runs and 13 RBI in the postseason.
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