Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper is preparing for a return off of the disabled list around July 1. In April, Harper injured his left thumb by diving head first into a base trying to extend a double into a triple. What happened to his thumb was he tore an ulnar collateral ligament.
Over the next couple of days, Harper will be following a strict rehab plan and playing at Class A Potomac. He will get days off when needed so he can properly heal his thumb correctly. Nationals Manager Matt Williams said Harper’s rehab program is a good one for him to follow.
“We’re all itching for him to get back, and he’s itching to get back, too. I just want him to go play and get his timing, feel good about it and make sure he doesn’t push it so much that he does something detrimental to his progress,” said Williams, according to the Washington Post.
The Nationals are expecting Harper to be ready to go once his rehab is complete. They do not want to rush him back if he is not completely one hundred percent healthy, but at the same time they do need him in the lineup as soon as possible to contend in the National League East division.
Harper has not played that much this season. He is batting .289 with one home run and nine RBIs in just 22 games this season, reported by ESPN.