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Phillies Give Bryce Harper Update as He Nears Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Mountz | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 7:51 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies’ offense has come into focus recently. Aside from a 13-run outburst on Friday, the Phillies’ lineup has been rather sleepy, recording just four runs in the other five games they played since scoring seven against the Mets on June 22. However, this sluggishness could change sometime very soon.

Bryce Harper, who’s absence from the batting order has been more than noticeable, faced live pitching at Truist Park on Saturday and participated in workouts before the game. Manager Rob Thomson had this to say on his progress:

"He was great. Looked like he got his bat speed and his timing looked fine.”

Sunday, which Thomson noted would be a rest day for Harper, offered a minor speed bump for his return. After checking in with Harper, Thomson said this:

"Bryce is a little stiff today. And that's normal, just because he took so many swings the last couple days. It was a heavy workload."

Harper was expected to return as early as Monday. But can he still return for the opener against the Padres? According to Thomson, it is still possible. In any case, it won’t be long.

Harper was hitting .258 with nine home runs in 213 at-bats before falling injured with right wrist inflammation on June 6, missing 22 games since. The Phillies’ first baseman is no stranger to the injured list, to which he has been a frequent visitor over the past four years. But when he is healthy, Harper can be the offensive storm the Phillies need him to be. Last season, Harper finished with 30 home runs and a .285 batting average.

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

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