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Phillies' Christopher Sanchez Shares High Praise For Bryce Harper Amid Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies went on a four-game losing streak against the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers series. During that skid, Bryce Harper was out of the lineup due to an injury he suffered after getting hit in the elbow by a Spencer Strider pitch.

Upon his return to the lineup on Tuesday, June 3rd, the Phillies clobbered the Toronto Blue Jays 8-3. Harper hit a home run in his first at-bat back in the lineup, and the Phillies cruised to an easy win.

In an article from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, multiple Phillies players reacted to Harper's return, but none stood out quite like Christopher Sanchez's reaction. Sanchez, the pitcher for the Phillies in the 8-3 victory, had strong praise for Harper amid his return to the lineup.

"Everything changes when he's back, right?" Sanchez said through an interpreter. "You saw the mood today, like, it's different. It's a different vibe here. Thanks to him for being here, and just thank God that he's okay."

It's hard to quantify how much of an impact Harper has on the rest of the lineup, but based on the performance of the team against the Blue Jays in his first game back, it's hard not to view Harper as the key to this team.

The Phillies starter for Harper's first game back noticed the vibe shift within the team. With Harper in the lineup, the Phillies play better. While an obvious deduction, since Harper's offensive prowess is a huge factor, his intangibles in the game also impact things.

Knowing that Harper is in the lineup and out on the field is a huge boost of confidence for the Phillies players. Sanchez noticed how much of an impact he has just by being in the lineup.

Trea Turner also acknowledged Harper's impact, saying, "He affects so many different people in so many different ways, and that's why he's so good."

Harper went 1-for-3 in his return to the lineup, which included a home run, two walks, and two runs scored. His impact on the field is clear, but he also raises the play of those around him.

Both Sanchez and Turner noticed how great having Harper in the lineup is, and how the vibe of the Phillies improved once he stepped back out onto the field.

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

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