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Phillies Make Bryce Harper Announcement Before Padres Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:47 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have been without first baseman Bryce Harper since the beginning of June. He went onto the injured list with a wrist injury and has been slowly working his way back. And finally, ahead of the San Diego Padres game, the Phillies announced some good news.

According to the Phillies, they have activated Harper off the injured list and designated for assignment utility man Buddy Kennedy. Harper is back on the active roster, and the Phillies, in the time he missed, got back out to a 1.5 game lead over the New York Mets for the NL East division.

Prior to tonight’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Phillies reinstated 1B Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list. To make room on the 26-man roster, INF Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 30, 2025

Harper missed three and a half weeks, but the Phillies stayed afloat, even amid an atrocious series against the Houston Astros. Now facing the team where Harper had the swing of his life against, he's back on the roster and ready to go.

While the Phillies built a lead in the NL East, Harper's return to the lineup is a much-needed boost. The offense has been struggling, and Harper's return should inject a much-needed spark into the offense.

Before landing on the injured list, Harper was hitting .258 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. While not his best production, he was still one of the Phillies' best hitters. Harper's .814 OPS is the second highest on the team, behind only Kyle Schwarber.

Adding his bat to the lineup will be a huge addition, and one that the Phillies' offense has sorely needed amid their struggles this month. Fortunately, the Phillies have been able to win games in Harper's absence thanks to incredible pitching from the whole rotation.

Now, back in the lineup, the Phillies look to rekindle their dimming offense against the Padres with Harper back in the fold. The 32-year-old is back for the Phillies, just in time to try and separate themselves from the Mets in the NL East.

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

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