Phillies' Bryce Harper issues reminder after breaking out of slump vs. Giants

"I'm really good. I mean, I really," Harper said after the 13-0 win, via Steve Kroner of the Associated Press. "I don't want to put that out there and everybody go, 'What's he talking about?' But I know when I'm going well, I'm one of the best in baseball. I'm healthy. I'm strong. I feel great." 

Harper, 32, missed 22 games because of a right wrist injury and had struggled since returning on June 30. In his first 22 at-bats in July, he slashed .182/.308/.182. 

Harper explained he was getting behind in the count far too often. 

"I hate talking about individual (achievements) and all that kind of stuff," Harper said. "But if I get into good counts and don't swing at crap away or in or anything else, then I'll be right where I need to be."

Harper continuing to use good plate discipline should help the Phillies pull away in a tight National League East race with the New York Mets. 

The Phillies (54-39) now lead the Mets (53-39) by half a game after New York's road game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday was postponed because of rain. 

Harper didn't make the 2025 All-Star Game. But remember, he didn't make the All-Star Game in 2021, either, and still won National League MVP after catching fire in the second half of the season.

Perhaps Wednesday's performance indicates he has another second-half surge in store.