The Philadelphia Phillies should have Bryce Harper back in the lineup for the stretch run.

He's expected to rejoin the club in early September. The reigning National League MVP broke his thumb on June 25 when he was hit by a pitch.

"When you say Sept. 1, I think that's a realistic goal," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on MLB Network.

An elbow ligament injury limited Harper to designated hitter duty prior to his broken thumb. There's a chance he will need Tommy John surgery in the offseason.

Harper, 29, hit .318/.385/.599 with 15 home runs in 64 games prior to the thumb injury.