Philadelphia Phillies manager Dave Dombrowski has an optimistic update on Bryce Harper’s potential return date

Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies put the weight of his entire team on his shoulders last season. With six home runs and 13 RBIs in his team's World Series run, Harper was a pivotal player.

However, all the support that Harper gave his team took a toll. After suffering some arm issues in May 2022, he was used as a DH for most of the rest of the season by Phillies manager Dave Dombrowski.

Following the Phillies' loss to the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series, Harper announced that he would need to undergo Tommy John reconstructive surgery on his arm.

The news was a massive blow to the Philadelphia Phillies, who made some key offseason signings and retentions. Many of the new hires were expected to help supply Harper with secondary and tertiary support.

"Bryce Harper ended up having Tommy John surgery today and could be back in mid-May, per JSalisburyNBCS" - FOX Sports: MLB

Although the Phillies originally gave the July MLB All-Star break as a rough return date for Bryce Harper, it now looks like the Las Vegas native could be back in the lineup sooner.

Speaking to Philadelphia-based SportsRadio 94WIP, Phillies manager Dave Dombrowski shed some light on when fans can expect to see Harper back in the Phillies red.

"Dave Dombrowski says the Phillies will not put Bryce Harper on the emergency injury list, as they are now “hopeful” he can return to the lineup before May 29th." - SPORTSRADIO 94WIP

Although Dombrowski acknowledged that there are certain "setbacks" in any case of Tommy John recovery, he offered some exciting news to fans:

"We are going to keep our options open. And we are hopeful that he will come back. But he is doing great."

Central to Dombrowski's assessment was the manager's admission that the Phillies have not elected to put Harper on the Emergency Injured List, which would keep him out until May 29.

This means that Bryce Harper could potentially be back in the lineup before the end of May, which would be a massive boost for the team. The Phillies signed former Los Angeles Dodgers star Trea Turner to a massive $300 million deal under the guise of Turner being a prime leadoff man for Harper to drive home.

Bryce Harper's return could make or break the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023

Although the Phillies overcame nearly all expectations during the 2022 season, they still face stiff competition within their division. The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets both had over 100 wins in 2022, meaning that without Harper, the Phillies would certainly lose a key upper hand to their divisional rivals.