Bryce Harper still has stiffness in his wrist but could return to action Monday
Although the discomfort in Harper's wrist hasn’t completely subsided, he said he’s “way farther ahead [in his recovery] than I felt like I would be.”
ATLANTA — Bryce Harper reported “normal” stiffness in his right wrist Sunday, manager Rob Thomson said, after facing Phillies minor league pitchers Jack Dallas and Joel Kuhnel on the field Saturday.
Is a Monday return to the lineup out of the question?
“No,” Thomson said. “Not necessarily.”
Harper has been sidelined since June 7 with inflammation near the lunate bone at the top of his wrist. Although the discomfort hasn’t completely subsided, Harper said he’s “way farther ahead than I felt like I would be.”
» READ MORE: Bryce Harper: Return to the Phillies lineup next week is ‘definitely in play’
Rookie infielder Otto Kemp likely will remain in the majors after Harper’s return, even though he will be limited to starting in left field against left-handed starting pitchers and coming off the bench.
“I really like his at-bats. I really do,” Thomson said. “He’s got really good aptitude. He adjusts very easily. I like a lot of things about him.”