Bryce Harper to have thumb surgery, expected back with Phillies this season

It’s not all bad news for Bryce Harper and the Phillies.

The All-Star outfielder will have surgery Wednesday to repair his broken thumb, manager Rob Thomson told reporters on Tuesday, but Harper expected to make it back before the end of the season.

“It’s tough, but it’s probably the best thing for him. So whatever’s best for him is best for me,” Thomson said. “If he’s able to come back, which we plan on, then that’s good under the circumstances.”

On Monday, Harper met with hand specialists to look at his treatment options but it is not yet know who will perform the procedure.

Harper was hit on the hand with a 97 mph fastball during the fourth inning of Saturday’s game against the Padres. The injury put’s a pause on his MVP-caliber season, in which he was he has a .318/.385/.599 slashline with 15 homers and 48 RBIs. Harper was doing it allwith a UCL tear in his right arm.

“Things happen for a reason,” Harper said Saturday. “Everybody says that. This reason sucks right now, but at the same time, it is what it is. I’ve got to be positive. I’ve got to be positive for the guys in here. I know they’ll pick up the slack. I’m just really bummed for the organization, the guys, the city of Philadelphia, the fans. I love running out there and playing every day. Definitely bummed.”

Harper, 29, was set to have his elbow reevaluated after a PRP injection in May. Regardless of if the UCL showed healing, the two-time MVP planned on being a DH the rest of the year to avoid surgery and worsening the injury.

If Harper doesn’t seek treatment for the elbow during this IL stint, it is possible he could only be out for six weeks and return in August. As of right now, the Phillies have not released an official timetable for his return.

The Phillies will be hoping to stay afloat with Harper out of the lineup. The team has risen in the standings since the firing of manager Joe Girardi. Philadelphia is currently 39-35 heading into Tuesday game against the Braves — eight games behind the Mets in the NL East and two games back of the final wild-card spot. If the Phillies can stay above .500 and Harper returns fully healthy by the end of August, he could still help them with a playoff push.