March 21, 2023 10:03 AM : Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that Harper (elbow) won't open the season on the 60-day injured list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. "We're going to keep our options open," Dombrowski said.
Analysis: Not placing Harper on the 60-day IL -- at least for the time being -- leaves open the possibility that he could return before the end of May. That would be quite a change in timetable from what the slugger referenced just 12 days ago, when he told the Associated Press that the All-Star break is "the date we kind of solidified." Ultimately, the Phillies could still wind up putting Harper on the 60-day IL if it becomes clear he won't be ready within the first two months of the season. Still, the news at least offers hope that a return much sooner than midseason is possible.