Phillies vs. Dodgers Tuesday MLB odds, props: Bryce Harper +1100 to homer in first at-bat after making historically quick return from Tommy John Surgery

The Philadelphia Phillies are defending National League champions, so their 15-15 record through 30 games this year might sound disappointing on the surface, but they have dealt with some major injuries, including starting the season without two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper. He will return in historically quick fashion from Tommy John Surgery for Tuesday night's game at the Los Angeles Dodgers, and DraftKings offers a prop on what Harper will do in his first at-bat. A home run is +1100.

Tuesday marks exactly 160 days since Harper had the surgery on Nov. 23, 2022, to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (Harper throws right-handed but bats lefty). The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who cleared Harper to return in a checkup visit Monday. The Phillies didn't want to rush Harper into Monday's lineup. He wasn't originally expected back before perhaps late June.

According to ESPN, Harper would be the fastest major-league player on record to return from the surgery going by the date of his first MLB game action. The previous fastest return was by infielder Tony Womack, who suited up after 182 days in 2004. The quickest returns from Tommy John are from position players, as swinging a bat does not jeopardize healing in the same way throwing does. Starting pitchers often miss entire seasons after undergoing the procedure. 

Harper will be limited to designated hitter for a while, which is mainly where he played last year because he couldn't throw. The team would like to see him play at first base eventually after incumbent starter Rhys Hoskins tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during spring training. Darick Hall had been starting for Hoskins, but is out long term with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Those injuries have forced bench players like Edmundo Sosa, Jake Cave and Josh Harrison into regular duty.

Harper presumably will hit cleanup in his first game since Nov. 5, 2022, in Houston. That was Game 6 of the World Series, which the Astros won 4-1 to clinch the title. Harper had a great postseason overall, batting .349 with six homers and 13 RBI. He was limited to 99 regular-season games and hit .286 with 18 homers and 65 RBI.

The Dodgers start lefty Julio Urias (3-3, 4.41 ERA) on Tuesday. He has lost three straight games and seen his ERA rise from 1.50. Harper is 3-for-12 with two homers, and double and six RBI in his career against him. He is favored at +120 to make an in-play out in his first at-bat off Urias.

If one wanted to nitpick, Harper's return does hurt the Phillies defensively because they can't hide poor defenders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos in occasional DH duty, as they will have to play daily in the outfield or at first base. Philadelphia is more than glad to make that trade-off.

DraftKings odds for Bryce Harper's first at-bat result

• In-Play Out +120
• Strikeout +235
• Single +500
• Walk/HBP +850
• Double +1100
• Home Run +1100
• Reach On Error +2200
• Triple +2500