May 9, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) exchanges high-fives in the dugout after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies' Bryce Harper won't throw for at least six weeks due to UCL tear

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/18/22

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper was made unavailable for a third straight game, Wednesday's home matchup against the San Diego Padres, as he continues to recover from a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow he recently had because of a small tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

The reigning National League Most Valuable Player will remain a designated hitter whenever he is cleared to return to the lineup.

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Phillies manager Joe Girardi told reporters Wednesday afternoon that Harper has been shut down from throwing for a minimum of six weeks. That timeline presumably will keep the 29-year-old a DH through at least the All-Star break.

Harper last played in the outfield on April 16.

Joe Girardi said doctors have adjusted Bryce Harper timing. Won’t throw for six weeks. If all goes well would need several weeks to ramp up throwing. So possible he doesn’t play field till late July, early Aug, provided all goes well. Phils hopeful he can DH tomorrow
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) May 18, 2022

"I think he has some real clarification. I think it kind of put him at peace, actually," Girardi explained about the situation. "I think knowing that he has to wait, there's not much he can do until six weeks anyway. He'll just focus on hitting. I think the concern for the player is when it comes closer to actually trying something out."

Girardi pointed out that Harper likely would've gone on the injured list for a lengthy period of time had the NL not adopted the DH. Ahead of Wednesday evening, Harper was batting .305 with nine home runs and 27 RBI across 34 games this season.

Meanwhile, the 17-19 Phillies trailed the first-place New York Mets in the NL East standings by six games before Wednesday's action.

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