The Philadelphia Phillies will welcome Bryce Harper back to the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Harper back in Phillies lineup after three-game absence

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/22/22

Reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper has already missed nine games over the first half of the Philadelphia Phillies' 2022 regular season, but Wednesday won't be No. 10.

Wheels up. #RingTheBell

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Harper has been sidelined since last week — missing three games in a row — due to an infected blister on his right hand, but when in the lineup, the 29-year-old has been red-hot, slashing a blistering .326/.391/622 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and eight stolen bases. The six-time All-Star has been the Phillies' primary designated hitter this season — a universal DH was implemented for the 2022 MLB campaign — thanks to a chronic elbow injury that's limited him to just eight games in his customary right field.

The elbow ailment cost Harper multiple games earlier in the season and he hasn't played in the field since April.

Harper's .622 slugging percentage leads the NL and is fifth in all of baseball entering play Wednesday.

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