PHILADELPHIA — Reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper is set to start for the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, just two months after having his left thumb broken by a pitch.
Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson announced Harper’s impending return from the injured list Thursday after consulting with the star.
Harper hit two home runs and a game-winning double in a a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this week. His minor league stint was originally expected to last a few games longer.
Harper took off Thursday to recover from some soreness, but is set to be the designated hitter when the Phillies host Pittsburgh to start of a three-game weekend series. He won’t play the outfield the rest of the season due to a small tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his throwing elbow.
The two-time NL MVP was hitting .318 with 15 homers and 48 RBI when the thumb was broken by a fastball from San Diego’s Blake Snell on June 25.
Since his departure, Philadelphia has climbed into the second wild card position in the National League with a 30-20 record without him.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.