According to Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper has a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will be unable to throw for four weeks.

The news comes after Harper visited Dr. ElAttrache this morning who confirmed the Phillies' fears of a small tear. Harper will still be the Phillies' designated hitter in the interim, after receiving a PRP injection this Sunday. The injection itself could keep Harper out of the lineup for Sunday and potentially Tuesday, which would pave the way for his return to the lineup Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.

Harper, who has played in all 31 games for the Phillies this season, has started out the year with a .269 batting average, six home runs, and 19 runs batted in. The injury of the UCL, most commonly associated with Tommy John Surgery when completely torn, will keep Harper as the DH until sometime in June when he can begin a throwing program and return to the Phillies' outfield. This, just one year removed from a season that saw Bryce Harper play in 141 games and earn the National League's Most Valuable Player award.

Should Harper begin to feel any discomfort while at the plate, the rest of the Phillies lineup will be asked to carry the already struggling Phillies offensively while Nick Castellanos takes over duties in right field in Harper's absence. The Phillies currently sit at 14-17, which is good for third place in the National League East behind the New York Mets (22-11) and the defending champion Atlanta Braves (15-17).