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Phillies’ Bryce Harper Shares Concerning Injury Update During Mets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Somehow and someway, the Philadelphia Phillies continue winning without injured first baseman Bryce Harper.

It certainly sounds like the Phillies shouldn't expect the All-Star slugger back within the coming days. Speaking with the ESPN broadcast during Sunday's 7-1 victory over the New York Mets, Harper all but admitted he's unsure when he'll return from a wrist injury.

That's not to say Harper expects to be out until, say, September. The eight-time All-Star said he took 45 swings Saturday and another 45 on Sunday, and he would love to rejoin his teammates within the next 10 days.

There's one problem: Harper reiterated that it's still early in the process, and the Phillies haven't made an official announcement about him potentially starting a rehab assignment.

Philadelphia initially hoped to have a realistic timetable last weekend. Instead, all sides are stuck wondering if the two-time NL MVP will return before the All-Star Break, which in itself is extremely concerning given the wrist problem began last season.

Harper hit the IL batting .258 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .814 OPS over 253 at-bats. He's posted 1.5 bWAR for the first-place Phillies, who entered Thursday with a one-game lead over the Mets.

Rookie Otto Kemp remains the Phillies' interim starting first baseman, posting a .647 OPS in his first 55 plate appearances. However, he's also walked just once against 15 strikeouts, a troubling early trend that doesn't bode well.

Philadelphia is 10-5 since placing Harper on the IL, and they've won nine of 11.

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

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