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Bryce Harper's Return Draws Six-Word Reaction from Phillies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 4:51 PM ET

In a competitive NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies have established themselves as one of the top teams in MLB, holding the division lead with a 49-35 record, while the New York Mets are right behind at 48-37.

Now, they're going to be receiving some extra reinforcement, because on Monday, the team announced that first baseman Bryce Harper has been reinstated from the 10-day Injured List, where he's been since June 6 due to inflammation in the right wrist.

It's a big boost, and before their matchup against the San Diego Padres on Monday, the Phillies posted the starting lineup, which features Harper hitting third, with the caption, "Well look what we have here."

Well look what we have here #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/GBIgfD4fil
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 30, 2025

Before the injury, the eight-time All-Star was doing pretty well, appearing in 57 games, accumulating 213 at-bats, 55 hits, 32 runs scored, nine home runs, 34 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 35 walks.

To go along with those totals, he's slashing .258/.368/.446 with a .814 OPS that currently ranks No. 2 on the Phillies among hitters with at least 200 at-bats, behind designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who leads at .923.

If Harper can pick up where he left off, it helps the Phillies' chances of chasing the ultimate prize, as ESPN BET currently gives them the second-best odds (+500) to represent the NL in the World Series and the fourth-best (+900) to win it all.

Having a strong first series back could prove to be vital, and in the past against the Padres, he's had a good amount of success, playing them 58 times, putting together 61 hits, 42 runs scored, 48 RBIs, 16 home runs and a .965 OPS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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