Phillies World Series with Bryce Harper set to return from Tommy John surgery

Nov 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) runs to second base after hitting a double against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in game five of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies had a slow start to the season, but have been playing its best ball of late, winning seven of 10. Now, even better news. Bryce Harper is back.

Harper has recovered at a remarkable rate from offseason Tommy John surgery, about six months removed from the procedure. The Phillies, who are over .500 after a slow start to the year after making the World Series, are now primed to make a push in a competitive National League East and beyond.

Only 159 days after Tommy John surgery, two-time MVP Bryce Harper has been cleared to play by the Philadelphia Phillies, sources tell ESPN. A remarkable recovery, shattering expectations he’d return in July. He’s expected to be in the lineup starting at designated hitter Tuesday.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 1, 2023

The Phillies are in fourth place in the division, but just four games behind the Braves for first place. Despite posting the third best batting average as a team at .272, the team can use some more pop in the lineup, below the big league in home runs and runs per game.

It’s too early to count out the reigning National League champs, who are +2500 to win the World Series as of this writing even with a slow start to the year.

The Phillies have bounced back from a 6-10 start to improve to 15-14 heading into a series with the Dodgers and reinforcements on the way in Harper, who is two years removed from an NL MVP season.

Last season, Harper battled injuries, but was still effective in 99 games, hitting 18 homers with .286/.364/.514 slashes.

Here’s the updated World Series odds on the news that Harper is back well ahead of schedule.