Report: Bryce Harper Nearing Rehab Assignment; May Return to Phillies Around Sept. 1

According to Fox Sports' Tom Verducci, Philadelphia's ace outfielder is expected to begin his rehabilitation assignment Tuesday.

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Bryce Harper is expected to begin his Triple-A rehab assignment Tuesday.

Tom Verducci has more on when you can expect to see him back in the @Phillies lineup: pic.twitter.com/1UlMezxs0B

A Sept. 1 return date forHarper is being targeted by thePhillies.

The defending National League Most Valuable Player hasn't been on the field since June 25 when he broke his thumb when he was hit by a pitch from a different pitcher. As he tried to move his head and face away from the pitch, he was hit in the hand.

He said he wished it hit him in the face. I have no broken bones in my face. I don't think I can hit 97 to the thumb. I was trying to get my hand up so I wouldn't let it hit me again. It's a bad day. I am very disappointed.

The 29-year-old was in the midst of an excellent season, hitting.318 with 15 homers, 48RBI, 49 runs and a.971 OPS, and it looked as though it might be a death knell for Philadelphia's postseason hopes.

Since the injury, the team has risen.

After taking batting practice for the first time since he injured his elbow, it's likely that he'll return as a designated hitter.

Getting his bat back in the lineup would be huge for an organization that hasn't made the playoffs since 2011. In his four seasons with thePhillies,Harper has slashed.......................

Kyle Schwarber is expected to come back Friday after missing a week with a calf strain. Schwarber leads the NL with 34 homers, and in his absence, thePhillies have been shut out three times in a row.