HBT Weekend Wrapup - MLB

Really, it was all trades this weekend, and we had you covered like a jimmy hat on that stuff. If you’re simply looking to see who went where, check out the HBT Trade Deadline Tracker, which has all the specifics of all of the deals. If you’re looking for something a touch more in depth, try this:

The Phillies probably overpaid for Hunter Pence,
The Tigers called up a top prospect.
Wang did not rise to the occasion.
All Derek Holland does is throw shutouts. Or it may be that we simply notice them.
Why in the hell did the Cubs deem Carlos Pena untouchable?
A Rich Harden-to-Boston deal fell through. You’ll never guess why.
Andy Van Slyke rips Colby Rasmus.
Why didn’t the Yankees get Ubaldo Jimenez?
Ed Wade got hosed in the Michael Bourn deal. Really, they got hosed.
The Pirates aren’t pleased at how long it’s taking Derrick Lee to make it to Pittsburgh.
Manny Banuelos levels-up.
When Miguel Tejadas attack.
The new-look Astros are an ugly, ugly bunch.
It’s becoming clear why the Yankees didn’t make a deal for Wandy Rodriguez.

Now that the trade deadline is over we can all breathe again. You heard me. Breathe.

PHILADELPHIA – Phillies slugger Bryce Harper will miss the start of the 2023 season after he had reconstructive right elbow surgery.

The operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Harper is expected to return to Philadelphia’s lineup as the designated hitter by the All-Star break. He could be back in right field by the end of the season, according to the team.

The 30-year-old Harper suffered a small ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow in April. He last played right field at Miami on April 16. He had a platelet-rich plasma injection in May and shifted to designated hitter.

Harper met Nov. 14 with ElAttrache, who determined the tear did not heal on its own, necessitating surgery.

Even with the elbow injury, Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series since 2009, where they lost in six games to Houston. He hit .349 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 17 postseason games.

In late June, Harper suffered a broken thumb when he was hit by a pitch and was sidelined for two months. The two-time NL MVP still hit .286 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs for the season.

Harper left Washington and signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. A seven-time All-Star, Harper has 285 career home runs.

With Harper out, the Phillies could use Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter. J.T. Realmuto also could serve as the DH when he needs a break from his catching duties.