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Harper has small UCL tear, won't throw for 4 weeks

Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It could be a while before Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper patrols the outfield.

Harper visited Dr. Neil ElAttrache on Thursday, who confirmed the 29-year-old has a small tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, Phillies manager Joe Girardi said, according to Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Harper won't throw for a month, at which point the Phillies hope he'll be able to start a throwing program.

The reigning NL MVP will also receive a PRP injection on Sunday which will take Harper out of the lineup that day and possibly Tuesday as well, Coffey adds.

"I miss playing, I really do. I miss being out there with my team and playing on the field. It’s been tough. I want to get back out there," Harper said, according to MLB.com.

"I want to help this team on both sides of the ball. I miss playing right (field). … That’s been a grind for me. Just worrying about hitting all day, instead of going out there and playing both sides of the ball."

Harper has only appeared in eight games as an outfielder this season. He continues to DH for the Phillies and hit his seventh home run of the season on Thursday against the Dodgers.

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