Harper hasn't played in the outfield since April 16 due to an elbow injury. He has been used as a designated hitter since. He started getting platelet rich plasma injections in his elbow. He felt so good after statring the treatment this past weekend that he told the team he wanted to continue to play as designated hitter, but so far they have not let him do so.
His 2022 wRC+ 172 bat is tough to bench for 6 weeks but they might have to.