(Philadelphia) Bryce Harper returned to the Philadelphia Phillies’ batting role for Friday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after a 52-game absence with a broken left thumb.
Posted at 4:28 p.m.
In his first outing since being shot by Blake Snell of the San Diego Padres on June 25, Harper was the designated hitter and ranked fourth in the roster.
In the midst of a winning streak, the Phillies are coming off a four-game home series sweep against the Cincinnati Reds.
Since Harper’s last game in the lineup, the Phillies are 32-20. They started Friday’s game ranked second in the hunt for the fourth ace in the National League.
Named Most Valuable Player to his team in the National League last season, Harper is batting .318 with 15 homers and 48 RBIs in 64 games in 2022.
In two fitness games with Lehigh Valley, the Phillies’ AAA-level farm club on Tuesday and Wednesday, Harper had five hits on eight at-bats, including two home runs and two doubles. He also scored six points.
The Phillies had planned to keep Harper with their AAA roster until Saturday. His return to the Major Leagues was brought forward after he hit a double to win his team on Wednesday night.