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Phillies Alter Bryce Harper Plans, Set Minimum Return Date

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 6:04 PM ET

Before Monday, the Phillies had yet to release a firm timetable on the return of their franchise leader. Now, there's at least a general idea of the soonest he could return.

First baseman Bryce Harper, who originally planned to travel with the team on their short road trip this week, will instead remain in Philadelphia for further evaluation. The Phils play four games at the Miami Marlins Monday-Thursday before returning home Friday to start a three-game series against the New York Mets.

The news was first reported by Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic and quickly seconded by Lochlahn March of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Bryce Harper is not with the team in Miami. No setback, Rob Thomson said. They just figured he could get more work done back in Philadelphia.
— Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes) June 16, 2025

Bryce Harper didn’t end up traveling with the team to Miami as was initially planned. Not because of a setback, but the Phillies decided it made more sense for him to remain back at home and get treatment there.
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) June 16, 2025

The Philly offense first struggled immensely without Harper in the lineup, with a 3-9 stretch that included being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the past homestand, however, they completely reversed course, taking five of six from the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays.

There's no further detail on when the Phillies expect Harper to be back in good health. Still, it'd be a huge plus for them if he is ready to go by Friday, when the division-leading Mets come to town.

Harper is slashing .258/.368/.446 with nine home runs and 34 RBI this season. He was starting to heat up before Spencer Strider drilled him in the right elbow with a 95-mph fastball.

After briefly returning from that incident, Harper went on the injured list with right wrist inflammation. He was eligible to be activated today, but the Phils are being cautious with their star to ensure he doesn't miss even more time later on.

In Bryce's absence, No. 24 prospect Otto Kemp has made an immediate impact as a call-up. Kemp had four hits in Sunday's victory, raising his average to .345 through his first eight career games.

With Kemp splitting time between third and first base and swinging a solid bat, there's a good case for him to remain on the Phillies' roster once Harper eventually returns. As for Bryce, it will probably be a few days until there's another update.

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

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