Harper could return to Phillies in early May

Bryce Harper could be on a baseball field far sooner than anyone expected.

The Philadelphia Phillies star could return in early May from offseason Tommy John surgery. Harper is scheduled for a doctor's appointment at the beginning of May and will find out then if it's a possibility.

"If we get clearance from the doctor, then we'll see when he can start DHing," Phillies manager Rob Thomson told The Athletic's Matt Gelb. "But it shouldn't be too far after that."

Harper underwent elbow reconstruction surgery in November and was expected to return to DH for the Phillies by July's All-Star break, potentially playing the outfield near the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has recovered more quickly than expected, even taking reps at first base about a week ago.

"I think what the plan is really is that we cover everything that we need to cover prior to that," Thomson said of Harper's upcoming doctor's appointment. "And then we talk to the doctor and figure out when it’s the best time to start DHing."

Harper is a force in Philadelphia's lineup when healthy, hitting .282/.394/.546 with 101 home runs and 296 RBIs since joining the team. His impressive postseason performance last year helped guide the Phillies to the World Series, where they lost in six games to the Houston Astros.

The Phillies enter play Friday fourth in the NL East with an 8-12 record.