Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper could be activated off IL Thursday or Friday

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Aug 25, 2022 12:37 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies could finally be getting the reigning NL MVP back in their lineup for the first time in two months on Thursday night.

News: Bryce Harper could be added to the #Phillies active roster today or tomorrow, as we discussed this morning on @MLBNetwork.

Harper last played at the @MLB level on June 25; the Phillies are 31-20 since then.

Philadelphia currently holds the second NL Wild Card spot.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 25, 2022

The Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Harper has gone 5-for-8 with two home runs, two doubles (including a walk-off two-bagger on Wednesday), six RBI and three runs scored in a pair of minor league rehab games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this week. It was reported in late June that the seven-time All-Star was expected to miss at least six weeks with his fractured thumb after he was hit by a pitch during a game against the San Diego Padres.

Harper has been limited to 64 games this season due to numerous injuries, but when on the field, has slashed .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs, 48 RBI, 21 doubles and nine stolen bases through 242 at-bats.

Philadelphia enters play Thursday with a 69-55 record and in the second NL wild-card spot.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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