Phillies Announce Bryce Harper Development After 2 Missed Games

Bryce Harper Update Emerges Before Marlins Game

Harper has noticeably been absent from Rob Thomson’s lineup card, with his last in-game appearance coming last Sunday in a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has been dealing with a sickness serious enough to keep him away from the team, as he was not seen at Citizens Bank Park for the first two games of the Phillies’ current series against the Miami Marlins.

However, ahead of the series finale on Thursday, Harper was seen in the clubhouse pregame. Moments before game time, the Phillies confirmed the good news, announcing the lineup card with Harper reinserted at first base and batting third.

This is an exciting development for the Phillies, as Harper has seemingly put the illness behind him while working toward bringing home a championship to Philadelphia. He will have an opportunity to appear in four games before the Phillies receive some time off, having earned a top-two seed in the NL and bypassing the wild card round.

Harper’s list of career accomplishments throughout his 14-year career remains one of the most impressive baseball has ever seen. He’s won two NL MVP Awards (2015, 2021)—one with the Washington Nationals and one with the Phillies. He’s also captured the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, eight All-Star selections and four Silver Sluggers.

Harper is still searching for his first World Series title and that remains the most important goal for the superstar. While he has proven his ability to be a playoff riser and lead the Phillies on deep postseason runs, the organization is still searching for its first title with Harper as the focal point. Time may be winding down for the current core as well, with Kyle Schwarber set to hit unrestricted free agency and Zack Wheeler’s return not guaranteed.