Bryce Harper will undergo surgery Wednesday to stabilize his broken left thumb, Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday.
Although Thomson did not reveal a firm timeline for Harper to return to the lineup, he did say the team is hoping Harper will return this season.
"It's tough, but it's probably the best thing for him. So whatever's best for him is best for me," Thomson said Tuesday. "If he's able to come back, which we plan on, then that's good under the circumstances."
Harper was injured when he was hit by a 97 mph fastball from Blake Snell in the fourth inning of Saturday night's win against the San Diego Padres.
The Phillies announced Sunday that the outfielder will be sidelined indefinitely with the injury and put him on the 10-day injured list.
Harper, the reigning National League MVP, is hitting .318 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and a .985 OPS this season in 64 games despite a small tear in the UCL of his right elbow that has prevented him from playing the outfield since April 16. He has tried to avoid season-ending Tommy John surgery with a platelet-rich plasma injection and rest.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.