Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies' Bryce Harper Receives Major Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:10 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies had to hold their breath when their superstar, Bryce Harper, was drilled by a Spencer Strider fastball in the first inning of last Tuesday’s date with the Atlanta Braves.

Harper’s elbow injury has kept him sidelined, but the Phillies have also not placed him on the injured list. Fortunately, he expects to return to action tomorrow.

Here is what Levi Weaver and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic had to say:

“The good news: Despite being out of action since a hit-by-pitch on Tuesday, Bryce Harper is not expected to hit the IL. The bad news? Small-picture, it’s all bad. After spending the first month-plus of the season with the game’s most stable pitching staff, the Phillies are now attempting a slight pitching shuffle."

In Harper’s absence, Philadelphia has moved Alec Bohm to first with Edmundo Sosa taking over at third base. Sosa has been excellent as a depth piece this season, batting .294 with a .725 OPS and a 101 OPS+ over 85 at-bats. His defensive versatility is a huge asset, but one that is better-suited for bench duties.

Even if he maintains that pace at the plate, he can not replicate Harper’s production.

The 32-year-old, two-time MVP is having another one of those seasons that will eventually earn him a spot in Cooperstown. Harper has a .267 batting average, an .825 OPS, a 129 OPS+, eight home runs, 33 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. He also has a solid 33:42 BB:K rate.

While the elbow injury is a cause for concern, his pending return and ability to stay off the injured list bode well for the Phillies. Plus, Harper is a first baseman and does not need to utilize his arm nearly as much as other field players.

Harper is probably itching to get back out on the diamond and battle with his team, and once he does, do not expect a drop-off in production.

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

More must-reads: