Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Two-time MVP OF Bryce Harper hopes to return Phillies' lineup in September

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/4/22

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star right fielder Bryce Harper has been out of action since June 25 after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his left thumb.

On Thursday, Harper updated reporters on his status ahead of the Phillies contest against the Juan Soto-less Washington Nationals.

Harper said the timeline for his return to the Phillies' lineup is "September-ish," but he plans to come back when he's ready.

Bryce Harper came the closest that he has yet to giving a timetable for his potential return: "We're still on the same timeline of September-ish and come back when I'm ready and able to come back."
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) August 4, 2022

On Monday, Harper began hitting off a tee and throwing lightly after having pins in his thumb from surgery removed.

While the progress of Harper's thumb is paramount, he's also dealing with a UCL tear in his right elbow but hasn't felt pain while lob tossing.

"It's kind of on the back burner for me," Harper told NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury. "I just want to get back in the lineup. I want to start hitting. I am not looking to get back to throwing as quickly as possible because I really want to hit, so maybe in the offseason I'll start throwing more."

The elbow injury has limited Harper primarily to the designated hitter role for the Phillies. The 29-year-old has made just eight starts in right field this season.

In 64 games, Harper has 15 home runs and 48 RBI while slashing .318/.385/.599.

More must-reads: