How Soon Can Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper Return From Hamstring Injury?

Bryce Harper Injury Update

Philadelphia Phillies superstar outfielder turned first baseman Bryce Harper left the game against the Miami Marlins on June 27 limping after running out a groundout on the final play of the 7-4 loss. 

By video analysis, it appears that Harper suffered a likely left hamstring injury. The video shows the injury is located on the lower part which could slow healing especially if tendon is involved. 

After further imaging, it is expected that he will require a stint on the 10-day injured list (IL) with the expectation at sicscore.com is it will be a longer than ten day stay. 

The Phillies will need to be cautious with this type of injury to their star player, as hamstring injuries can easily re-aggravate and linger, posing a significant risk to a team with championship ambitions.

Impact on Phillies Lineup

Harper is in the midst of an MVP-caliber campaign, having hit 20 home runs and driven in 58 RBIs, tying him for sixth in the majors. Losing him to injury would be a substantial blow to the Phillies. 

Given the nature of hamstring injuries, which can worsen without proper rest, the team is likely to prioritize Harper's long-term health over a quick return to action. Ensuring he fully recovers before returning to the lineup will be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge throughout the season.

NL MVP Race in Shambles

This injury further disrupts the National League MVP race, already in turmoil with top-tier talents Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. all having been sidelined in the past month. 

With Harper's injury, the MVP market is officially in shambles. This situation potentially increases the value of Shohei Ohtani's bid for MVP, as he is becoming one of the last remaining healthy contenders in the race.