Phillies Announce Bryce Harper Update After Second Straight Absence From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 5:29 PM ET

Bryce Harper is still searching for his first World Series title, now in his 14th big-league season. The 32-year-old veteran is currently in the seventh year of his 13-year, 330 million dollar contract that he signed to join the Philadelphia Phillies ahead of the 2019 MLB season. While Harper has been everything Philadelphia hoped for at the midway point of his contract, he has yet to bring home a championship.

Harper has transitioned to first base from the outfield in an attempt to solidify the infield and he has continued to thrive at the plate despite battling through consistent wrist discomfort. In 128 appearances this year, Harper has posted a .263 batting average, .358 on-base percentage, .853 OPS, 27 home runs and 75 RBIs at the top of the batting order.

Rob Thomson Shares Latest Bryce Harper News

Harper was notably absent from the lineup for Philadelphia’s series opener on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins, with Rob Thomson noting his superstar first baseman was sick and not present at the ballpark. After Harper was removed from the lineup for a second straight game on Wednesday, concerns began to mount over his status as he remains the focal point of the Phillies’ offense.

Moments before game time, the Phillies announced an update via manager Rob Thomson, noting that the two-time NL MVP was still sick but feeling better and he may make his return to the ballpark (h/t Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation).

This is a positive development as it seems Harper is improving and the sickness is likely something he can push through.

Bryce Harper is feeling better than before but still experiencing some effects of his illness, Rob Thomson said.

The manager isn’t sure whether or not Harper will report to the ballpark today.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) September 24, 2025

The Phillies are close to capturing a top-two seed in the NL, which would give them a bye, giving Harper and the rest of the team’s injured stars more time to rest and prepare for a deep postseason run. Harper’s numbers have been much better in the second half of the season and he remains one of the most formidable left-handed bats in the league.

Since the All-Star break, the eight-time All-Star has batted .265 with an .882 OPS and 17 home runs over 60 games, signaling he is far from declining in offensive production.

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

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