Phillies give Harper a 10-day layoff, not a 60-day layoff

The Philadelphia Phillies placed Bryce Harper on the 10-day injured list Thursday instead of the 60-day list, offering hope that he could return sooner than advertised for the first time after undergoing right elbow surgery over the winter.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was asked if the timetable for Harper’s return has changed.

“It hasn’t changed,” Dombrowski said. “We’re still hopeful. The good thing so far is that everything has been positive with his rehab.”

Harper tore his ulnar collateral ligament last April, forcing him to be the Phillies’ designated hitter for 90 regular-season games as well as the entire postseason.

His original timetable had him out until the All-Star Game break. That could still be the case, but the Phillies are keeping all avenues open for an earlier return.

“By not putting him on the 60-day roster, it keeps the options open,” Dombrowski said. “He’s feeling good.”

Added manager Rob Thomson: “We have a long way to go. A lot of times you see setbacks in these situations, so I’m not getting too far ahead of myself.”

Joining Harper on the injured list are pitchers Nick Nelson, Cristopher Sanchez and catcher Suarez.

Earlier, the Phillies placed first baseman Ryhs Hoskins on the 60-day injured list. He underwent successful ACL reconstruction surgery on his left knee Thursday morning in Texas. Hoskins tore his ACL while fielding a ball at the end of spring training. He will miss the entire 2023 season.