Bryce Harper has been battling left knee soreness that reemerged last week after returning to play the outfield for the first time in four years. Harper said he initially injured the knee during a game on July 11 but that the pain died down after the All‑Star break. It has returned since he has gone back to right field in the wake of the Luis Arraez acquisition ahead of last week’s trade deadline.

“I was not feeling it,” Harper said Tuesday of the knee pain, according to The Athletic. “But the more I’ve ramped it up, I’ve gotten sore. I think the more I play, I think it’ll help me – just getting in condition more. I feel like I’m in spring training again, trying to get through everything. The more I play, the more my body is accustomed to playing the outfield, I think it’ll kind of weasel its way out.”

Harper said the pain comes mostly when he moves suddenly in the outfield, but not when hitting or running. The Phillies have been cautious with their superstar, limiting him to the DH role in three of the past four games. He returned to right field once again for Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals.

“Obviously it’s bothering me a little bit,” Harper said. “But we’ll see. I’ll take a DH any time I can get it, but I don’t think we’re at that point yet.” The 33‑year‑old, who starred in right field for much of his career until he was moved to a first‑base and DH role following 2022 Tommy John surgery, is hoping the gradual increase in play will allow the discomfort to ease.