Bryce Harper has been diagnosed with a Small UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) tear earlier this week. As a result, Harper has been taken out of the field as he has been slotted as the full-time DH until he heals. Harper previously missed the last 4 games due to receiving the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection. But are the Phillies delaying surgery because of what Harper brings to the table?
The reigning MVP is currently batting .305 with 9 homers and 27 RBIs. His bat would surely be missed but without getting surgery, it leaves the possibility of the injury getting worse and potentially missing the rest of the season. As of now, he is projected to miss the next 6 weeks despite the first diagnosis having him missing 4 weeks. Is it ironic that his time has increased? Is it a sign of things to potentially come if surgery isn’t an option? Without Bryce in right field, our defensive metrics get significantly worse with Castellanos taking over and Schwarber in left field.
With 6 weeks before Harper can throw again, this takes us to around late June. But getting on a throwing program and his arm back up to speed, he won’t start seeing outfield work until late July or early August. Therefore, the fielding would need to be mistake free as well as the pitching so there aren’t any complications.
So who does this ultimately fall on? Does it fall on Girardi for allowing him to play and putting him in the lineup? Does it fall on upper management for not letting him get surgery to ensure his safety and the team’s success? If he would’ve gotten surgery sooner, he would be back for the most important part of the season. However, with them delaying it will risk ruining the season with no Harper, and risk him being out of the lineup in crunch time later in the season.
