Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper to remain DH while nursing elbow strain

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/22/22

According to multiple reports, Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper, slotted as the Phils designated hitter in the last five games, will stay on as DH while nursing an elbow injury to his throwing arm.

The 2021 NL MVP isn't sure when he'll be back in the outfield, as he hasn't dealt with arm issues before.

"I'm not sure," Harper told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki about the injury possibly lingering. "I've never dealt with arm pain or anything like that. Even when I was younger or anything. So I really don't know. What they've been saying to me is just more, 'We'll take it day by day and see how you feel. And then once you feel like you can throw, we'll test it out and go from there."

Harper had an MRI on Thursday, which showed a mild strain in his right elbow. The injury will keep Harper off the field for the time being, and he's scheduled to test out his throwing arm again on Tuesday.

Bryce Harper had MRI on right elbow. Showed mild strain. Won’t throw again till Tuesday. Will continue to DH. Would be IL situation without DH.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) April 22, 2022

While the injury has prevented Harper from playing right field every day, it hasn't impacted the six-time All-Star at the plate.

Harper has 10 hits, three doubles, two home runs, nine RBI and four walks in 41 plate appearances since tweaking his elbow against the Mets back on April 11.

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