Bryce Harper appears to be trending towards a return in Toronto

Bryce Harper (right elbow) wasn't in the lineup for a 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, but it doesn't seem like the two-time NL MVP is far from returning for the Phillies.

The eight-time All-Star told Matt Gelb of The Athletic Sunday morning that he expects to be back in the lineup Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays: 

Bryce Harper expects to play Tuesday in Toronto. (Phillies are off tomorrow.) He’s feeling much better.

Mick Abel is starting Thursday. Taijuan Walker is going to the bullpen. He’ll be a one-inning reliever. Phillies want to try it.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 1, 2025

Rob Thomson echoed those sentiments postgame, saying that while Harper wasn't available to pinch hit Sunday, all of his pregame work went well: 

It sounds like Bryce Harper will be back in the lineup Tuesday.

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/ti0pj79nCf

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) June 1, 2025

Harper has been sidelined since being hit by an errant Spencer Strider pitch in Tuesday's win over the Atlanta Braves: 

This is the errant Spencer Strider pitch that knocked Bryce Harper out of the game.

(Via @TalkinBaseball_)

pic.twitter.com/6kRKCYpf4x

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) May 27, 2025

Friday, Harper spoke extensively about being hit by Strider, wearing an elbow guard moving forward and other topics in a candid conversation: 

Bryce Harper — still 'super sore' — gets candid on elbow, wearing guard and being pitched inside

onpattison.com/news/2025/ma...

[image or embed]

— Tim Kelly (@timkellysports.bsky.social) May 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM

Harper was hitting .267 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs and an .825 OPS before this recent absence. 

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