TORONTO — Bryce Harper is set to rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays after missing five games due to a bruised right elbow.
He’ll return as the starting first baseman and bat third, marking his first appearance since taking a 95 mph fastball to the elbow from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider in the first inning last week.
During Harper’s absence, the Phillies went 1-4 and slipped out of first place in the NL East. Given his elbow’s history — he had Tommy John surgery following the 2022 World Series — Harper will wear a protective guard when he returns.
Through 54 games this season, Harper is batting .267 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs. Alec Bohm had filled in at first base, while Edmundo Sosa handled third, but Bohm will return to third base Tuesday in Toronto.