Phillies' Rob Thomson Announces Reason for Bryce Harper's Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:58 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL East for the second consecutive season on Sept. 15 and are on the verge of clinching a top-two seed, which would earn the club a first-round bye. The Phillies’ offense has continued to be a force, led by notable superstars Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and the face of the franchise Bryce Harper.

Harper is in his seventh season in Philadelphia and has been everything the organization had hoped for, earning an NL MVP award in 2021, two All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger Awards during his tenure. The 32-year-old veteran has put together another incredible season at the plate in 2025, pushing through wrist discomfort and posting a .263 batting average, .358 on-base percentage, .853 OPS, 27 home runs and 75 RBIs throughout 128 games.

Bryce Harper Update Surfaces Before Marlins Game

Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins, Harper was notably absent from Philadelphia’s lineup, with Otto Kemp drawing the start at first base. Moments before gametime, Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced that Harper was sick and it’s unknown if he’d be available off the bench ( h/t Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation).

This is an unfortunate development as the Phillies are looking to enter the postseason at full strength and Harper going down would be a massive blow. However, it is good news that it’s not injury related. Harper’s next opportunity to return to the starting lineup will be on Wednesday if he recovers well enough from Tuesday’s day off.

Bryce Harper is sick today, Rob Thomson said.

Phillies plan to activate Edmundo Sosa tomorrow and hope Trea Turner can return this weekend. Both players hit live BP off minor leaguers today.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) September 23, 2025

Harper has put together an exceptional 14-year career thus far and has been one of the league’s most exciting talents since he debuted for the Washington Nationals in 2012. Since then, he’s well on his way to making the Hall of Fame. Harper has earned the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, two NL MVP Awards, eight All-Star selections and four Silver Sluggers.

The only thing missing in his career is a World Series ring, and time is unfortunately winding down for the superstar. Harper had a golden opportunity to capture his first championship after taking NLCS MVP in 2022 following an incredible series against the San Diego Padres. However, the Phillies fell short and lost to the Houston Astros in six games. Harper will look to rebound from his sickness and lead the Phillies on another deep postseason run.

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

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