NEW YORK — If Bryce Harper’s work goes well on Sunday, he will take batting practice on the field at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, according to interim manager Rob Thomson. Harper hasn’t taken batting practice on the field since he was hit by a Blake Snell pitch on June 25, fracturing his left thumb. He will take some flips and overhand batting practice in the batting cage on Sunday.
Thomson called it a “huge” step for Harper, who has been on the injured list since June 26. If Monday’s batting practice goes well, the Phillies will simulate velocity for Harper in the batting cage using high-speed pitching machines. If that goes well, he’ll start a rehab assignment with one of the Phillies’ advanced-level minor league affiliates.
The Phillies aren’t sure when Harper will be able to rejoin the team, but they are optimistic it’ll be sooner rather than later.
