Henry Roldán
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper will need to continue to hone his playing time as a designated hitter if he wants to help his team any time soon.
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Phillies manager Joe Girardi stressed Wednesday night that his star outfielder won’t be able to throw a ball for the next six weeks.
Last week, he was diagnosed with a partial rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right elbow, and the team doctor applied Harper, last Sunday in Los Angeles, an injection of platelet-rich plasma that will not allow him to do anything for the previously mentioned time.
“Two weeks of throwing, I don’t think would quite be enough. I think you’re looking at probably three or four. I don’t know. I don’t have the buildup. But I know it’s six weeks of not throwing.”
Joe Girardi on the Bryce Harper situation
That said, the Phillies’ outfield won’t see the reigning NL MVP until late July or early August, Zolecki added in his report. And even Girardi did not rule out the idea that the player will not see more action as a fielder this season, something that would represent a very important loss due to the quality of this with the glove.
Bryce Harper Feels No Pain When He Hits
While Bryce Harper’s time out of action in the outfield isn’t good news for the Phillies, the Philly organization takes a breather as the slugger can hit without any soreness in his right elbow. And, boy, hasn’t he done well in helping the offense.
Taking advantage of the designated hitter’s first year in the National League, the Philadelphia team has been able to continue to field Harper on offense, and last week he was selected as the National League Player of the Week.
Harper hit over .600 with the bat, and he continued to show strength by hitting three home runs and hitting three bases in six games. In the old circuit he is the leader in slugging with .634 and second in runs scored (29), doubles (14), total bases (83), and home runs (9).
