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Phillies’ Rob Thomson Announces Bryce Harper News Before Astros Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 1:56 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper is currently playing his fourteenth season in MLB after bursting onto a scene with the Washington Nationals in 2012.

Bryce Harper spent his first seven seasons with the Nationals—since being selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft—before signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. He’s now in his seventh season in Philadelphia, switching over to first base after spending a majority of his career in right field.

A former National League Rookie of the Year, Harper has since captured two MVP awards (2015 and 2021) and earned eight All-Star nods.

Harper was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 7 with right wrist inflammation, a move made retroactive to June 6. That wrist has been a nagging problem, as he battled the same issue for much of the 2024 season, requiring periodic rest before he could rejoin the lineup.

Phillies' manager, Rob Thomson announced today that Harper logged another strong rehab session—taking 75 swings on the high-velocity machine—and is scheduled for an outdoor hitting session at Truist Park on Friday. Barring any setbacks (and pending a live arm for throwing batting practice), he could be back in the lineup as soon as Monday.

Another good day for Bryce Harper, Rob Thomson said. He took 75 swings off the high-velocity machine. He'll hit outside Friday at Truist Park. Phillies may or may not find a live arm to throw to him.

Monday looks possible.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 26, 2025

Philadelphia’s offense has gone cold as of late—scoreless over its last 18 innings—and the club is desperate for Harper’s return to inject power and run production into the middle of the order. At 32 years old, he remains a focal point of their lineup and a veteran leader in the clubhouse.

Through 57 games in 2025, Harper is batting .258 with a .368 on-base percentage, a .446 slugging mark and an .814 OPS, along with nine home runs, 34 RBIs and eight stolen bases—numbers that highlight just how critical he is to the Phillies’ pursuit of a championship.

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

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