Bryce Harper to assess progress with early May doctor's check-up

Phillies manager Rob Thomson shared more positive news on the Harper front, revealing that the team does not plan to send the right fielder on a minor league rehab assignment once he receives medical clearance. 

"Once we get clearance from the doctor, we'll see when he starts DHing, but it shouldn't be too far after that," Thomson said via Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia. 

Earlier this month, Harper took a tremendous step in rehab, participating in live batting practice for the first time since undergoing surgery in November. 

This week, Harper took at-bats in a simulated game against left-hander Ranger Suarez, who is also rehabbing from an injury. Thompson told Phillies radio host Gregg Murphy that Harper looked "encouraging," adding that he nearly hit a ball out of the ballpark in one of his four simulated at-bats. 

Away from the plate -- where Harper faces his rockiest road -- the two-time MVP has graduated to sliding drills. He also threw from 60 feet on Thursday. 

Without Harper, the reigning National League Champions have struggled out to an 8-11 record heading into play Thursday. However, the Phillies have won four of their last six games coming off a series win on the road over the Chicago White Sox and are now set for a seven-game homestand.

The sooner the Phillies can insert a healthy Harper into their lineup, the better, regardless of how the team is playing. Philadelphia's offense has yet to find any level of consistency, scoring two runs or fewer in seven games this season -- including a pair of shutout showings.