Phillies' Bryce Harper Unsure If He Will Play RF in 2023 Amid Elbow Injury Recovery

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in November, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is uncertain when or if he'll be able to return to the outfield during the 2023 season.

Harper, who is expected to be Philadelphia's designated hitter when he's healthy, told Jayson Stark of The Athletic, "I don't think we're going to rush back to the throwing part" despite adding that he misses playing in right field.

Harper is set to undergo a physical Thursday after reporting to the Phillies' spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida. While the physical will provide more clarity on his recovery, there still isn't a clear timetable for his return to Philadelphia's lineup.

The Phillies have said that the expectation is that Harper is able to return sometime before the All-Star break. However, the 30-year-old wasn't willing to commit to any date, saying, "I could be after. I could be before … [but] we're going to be smart about it."

Harper injured his elbow last April and was utilized more as a designated hitter from that point. He later broke his thumb after being hit by a pitch and was forced to miss two months.

While it took him a while to return to form after coming back during the regular season, Harper produced at an MVP-level to help power Philadelphia to a World Series appearance. He hit .349 with a 1.160 OPS while adding six home runs and 13 RBI during the postseason.

The two-time National League MVP might not be playing the field anytime soon, but he's grown more accustomed to the DH spot after playing 90 games there last season and 17 more in the playoffs.

"I was so against it, right? I'm all about it," he said of playing as designated hitter. "I love doing it, too."