Phillies' Bryce Harper Diagnosed with Torn UCL Injury; Won't Throw for 4 Weeks
The Philadelphia Phillies will be without star Bryce Harper for some time because of a UCL injury.
Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer shared manager Joe Girardi's explanation:
Harper was a bright spot for the Phillies last season, though he did deal with a minor injury early in the year. He missed two weeks from May 23-June 4 because of a bruised wrist that required a stint on the injured list. He got hit in the face with a pitch during an April 28 game against the St. Louis Cardinals that kept him out for three days.
Despite those speed bumps, the 2021 campaign was one of Harper's best in MLB. He hit .309/.429/.615 with 35 homers and 84 RBI in 141 games to be named NL MVP.
Philadelphia had an inconsistent year overall, finishing with an 82-80 record and missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.
Losing Harper takes away the Phillies best offensive player, but there are other stars in the lineup capable of stepping up. J.T. Realmuto is arguably the best all-around catcher in MLB. Rhys Hoskins slugged .530 in 107 games last season.
The Phillies also signed Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos as free agents to provide more depth in the lineup.
Until Harper can get back in the lineup, Girardi can put Johan Camargo in right field for the time being.
