The Philadelphia Phillies are 0.5 game behind in notching the NL East lead from the New York Mets. That alone is keeping the team on the edge. However, what’s really testing their nerves is the return of their star first baseman, Bryce Harper. The two-time NL MVP has been on the injured list since June 7 with right wrist inflammation. Initially, he was placed on the 10-day IL, but soon enough, that turned into 20 days.
Turns out, for months in the 2024 season, the Phillies’ star has played through the lingering pain in his right wrist. And this year, it has seemingly been more concerning for him. His extension may have been fine, but Harper’s entire career in MLB has been nothing short of exceptional and undoubtedly Hall-of-Fame worthy. Across 14 MLB seasons, he has held a strong .281 batting average with 345 home runs and 1,010 RBIs.
So, of course, the Phillies haven’t looked quite good without Harper. However, they have just received a spark of clarity they had been waiting for! This Friday, Scott Lauber—Phillies insider—reported that the team had sent two minor league pitchers to Atlanta. “The #Phillies flew two minor league pitchers to Atlanta to get Bryce Harper a look at live pitching tomorrow. After that? “I think next week is definitely in play,” Harper wrote on X.
Good read from Scott. Check it out if you haven’t already for some more details.
The Phillies flew Joel Kuhnel (AAA) and Jack Dallas (AA) down to Atlanta to throw to Bryce Harper.
Seems like next week is in play for Harper’s return! https://t.co/ZGQzXifBAK
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) June 28, 2025
Joel Kuhnel from Triple-A and Jack Dallas from Double-A are scheduled to give Harper live at-bats on Saturday. Given the severity of his injury, the Phillies’ nation was doubtful of his early return. The main reason the Phillies are sending two minor league pitchers to Atlanta is that they would like to test their swing in a more realistic game-like environment. Harper’s return will largely depend on how his session on Saturday goes.
Manager Rob Thompson also confirmed this, saying, “We’ll see how he comes out of it tomorrow.” He said this before Harper’s Friday session. Further, he added, “We’ll see how he comes out of that, and then we’ll figure out what we’re doing.”
The Phillies are not in a spot to go through any more losses. They are just coming off a series sweep by the Houston Astros. If Harper’s live at-bats go as expected, he could be seen back on the field on Monday. That’s when the Phillies will go up against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park for their home series opener. After that, they have an off day on Thursday before they play against the Cincinnati Reds.
Bryce Harper opens up on his potential return on Monday
While Harper is coming closer to his return, his batting practice on Friday at Truist Park in Atlanta didn’t go that well, at least according to him. He shared that even though he felt good physically, he wasn’t satisfied with his swing. “I didn’t feel great outside today, swing-wise… Obviously, health-wise, I felt fine. But swing-wise, I didn’t feel very good.”
Just a few weeks ago, Harper’s wrist was so sore that gripping a bat felt impossible. The Phillies’ medical staff worked tirelessly, using every trick in the book to ease his pain. Day after day, Harper showed up for treatment, determined to get back to the game he loves. Their efforts paid off: the pain faded faster than anyone expected, and Harper started to believe again.
May 27, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) walks towards the dugout after striking out against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Still, Harper isn’t making any promises. “I think next week is definitely in play,” he said with a hopeful smile. “But I don’t want to solidify which day or anything like that. But I’m happy with where I’m at.” Harper knows he might need to tweak his routine to protect his wrist for the long haul, but don’t expect him to change who he is at the plate. He’s focused, determined, and ready to help his team, one careful step at a time.
Overall, Harper seemed optimistic about returning. He emphasized being thrilled with his recovery and physical progress. His wrist doesn’t bother him the way it did weeks ago. Harper said some minor aches here and there are still persistent, but the swelling is gone for good. In fact, the medical team is also relieved with the way inflammation has decreased. Fingers crossed; hopefully, we see him back on Monday stronger than ever.
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