Still wait and see on Bryce’s balky elbow

PHILADELPHIA » Bryce Harper says there’s been no change in his comeback from a strained flexor tendon in his right (throwing) elbow that’s relegated him to designated hitter duty.

Manager Joe Girardi hinted that Harper was nearing the 4-to-6 week return timetable from the injury sustained making a throw to the plate April 11. Harper is more than three weeks into that time frame.

Harper clearly was frustrated, however, at being unable to take his normal position in right field. He suffered discomfort playing catch a little over a week ago.

“I miss playing, I really do, I miss being out there with my team and playing on the field,” Harper said before the Phils took on the Rangers Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. “It’s been tough. I want to get back out there and be able to help this team on both sides of the ball.”

Harper has no issues with the elbow in every day activity. Girardi doesn’t believe Harper is headed for a surgical option.

“We’re going to hold off because we can,” Girardi said. “Actually, when he came in yesterday, he said it was the best it’s felt. But in talking to the doctor … we’re not going to push it. When we get him back, we want him back. I don’t want a setback. He kind of threw a week after the first time and he kind of felt it. So, we thought it was in the best interest to rest him.”

Harper doesn’t see much benefit in working only on his hitting while he rests the elbow.

“I want to be able to play,” Harper said. “I’m used to playing on both sides of the ball, not just hitting all the time. I think that’s been a grind for me just worrying about hitting all day instead of going out there and being able to play both sides of the ball.

“I never DH’d in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I want to be in the lineup. I want to play. I’m very thankful for that.”

Harper is undergoing treatment and testing daily per Girardi, who at least has the silver lining of the designate hitter this year. Harper was batting .242 with four home runs, 15 RBIs and a teamleading 18 runs scored.

“I know for sure that it’s not what he would choose to do,” Girardi said. “He would much rather be in the outfield because that’s what he’s used to. But who knows, this might be a blessing in disguise for him physically as the year moves on. He’s not just taking the beatings that he normally would. Let’s just say he doesn’t play the outfield until sometime in May. You’re going four or five weeks where it’s not the normal wear and tear. He’s not on his feet and that might be beneficial at the end of the year.” • • • Girardi moved Alec Bohm into the leadoff spot in the batting order, where he replaced Kyle Schwarber.

Schwarber entered Wednesday leading the club with seven home runs and 16 RBIs but was batting just .188 with a .789 OPS. Bohm’s .322 batting average and .855 OPS topped the Phils. He’s also driven in 14 runs, third on the squad. Lefthander Martin Perez was on the bump for the Rangers.

“Bohm has swung the bat extremely well,” Girardi said. “We’re getting him more at bats and trying to get some of our other guys going. But this is what we talked about.”

Girardi still intends to have Schwarber lead off against righthanded pitchers.

Schwarber moved to sixth in the batting order.

• • • Catcher JT Realmuto is going to get a much-needed rest this weekend after playing 22 of 24 games. Possibly even Friday because Girardi is mindful that the Phils are playing 13 days in a row. “

I’ll pick a day,” Girardi said. “The weather’s pretty crappy Friday, so we’ll see what’s going on.”

• • • The Phillies open a big four-game series with the Mets Thursday.

Aaron Nola (1-3, 3.90) opposes Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00 ERA) Thursday night at 6:45. Kyle Gibson (2-1, 2.93) is on the bump against Max Scherzer (4-0, 2.61) Friday at 7:05 p.m.

The Saturday game is a 4:05 start, while the Sunday contest is at 1:35.