Phillies' Bryce Harper Takes On-Field Batting Practice amid Elbow Injury Rehab

It's been a rough start to the 2023 season for the Philadelphia Phillies, but Tuesday did provide a sign of optimism.

The Athletic's Matt Gelb noted Bryce Harper took part in batting practice for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery before the Phillies' 4-1 win over the New York Yankees.

Gelb did point out that Harper is still a "long, long" way from being cleared to play in games.

The Phillies announced Harper underwent elbow surgery on Nov. 23 and they expect him to return as their designated hitter by the All-Star break. He originally suffered the injury making a throw from the outfield during a game early in the 2022 season but played through it.

There was some discussion during spring training that Harper might be back sooner than expected.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network said on March 16 that some people within MLB are predicting Harper could be back by the end of May.

The Phillies did leave the door open for Harper to return quickly by not placing him on the 60-day injured list to start the regular season. He's currently on the 15-day IL and can be transferred to the 60-day IL if he's not going to play sooner than anticipated.

"I'm not setting any dates, but I'm just keeping that option open rather than closing an option," Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters on March 21.

A stint on the 60-day injured list would keep Harper out until at least May 28. The All-Star break runs from July 10-13.

Philadelphia opened the season with four consecutive losses and allowed 27 runs in the first two games against the Texas Rangers. The defending National League champs earned their first victory of the season on Tuesday night against the New York Yankees.

Harper hit .286/.364/.514 with 18 homers and 65 RBI in 99 regular-season games last season. The seven-time All-Star hit six homers and had a 1.160 OPS in 63 at-bats during Philadelphia's playoff run.