Surgery for Harper's thumb not thought to be season-ending
After he was hit in the thumb by a pitch from Blake Snell in Philadelphia’s 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night, Phillies slugger Bryce Harper's season appeared in jeopardy. The 97-mph fastball resulted in a thumb fracture, sidelining him indefinitely, the team reported that night.
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According to Phillies skipper Rob Thomson, surgery on Harper's left thumb is scheduled for Wednesday. Speaking before Tuesday's game vs. Atlanta, Thomson would not elaborate on where or what time the procedure was to take place nor speculate on a recovery timetable. However, according to multiple sources, there is optimism Harper can resume "baseball activities" in six to eight weeks with an approximate return to the lineup by Sept. 1.
The Phillies officially placed Harper on the 10-day injured list on Sunday. Triple-A Lehigh Valley outfielder Mickey Moniak took his place on the roster.
The reigning NL MVP, who missed only a few games last year when he was hit in the face by a fastball from St. Louis’ Genesis Cabrera, checked his swing as the Snell fastball rode inside and high toward his shoulder before hitting him on the outside of the left hand in the fourth inning.
Harper recalls the pitch flying toward his face, then quickly turning his head and raising his left hand to protect himself.
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“I kind of wish it hit me in the face,” said Harper, who is wearing a splint on his thumb. “I don’t break bones in my face. I think I can take 98 (mph) to the face, but not 97 to the thumb. Yeah, I was kind of in protection mode a little bit trying to get my hand up there and not let it hit me again.
“It’s just a bummer. I am really bummed out.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Surgery on Harper's thumb not thought to be season-ending
