The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for a crucial three-game series against the San Diego Padres. With just a one-and-a-half game lead over the New York Mets in the National League East, they’re looking to create some breathing room heading into the All-Star break.
In need of reinforcements, the Phillies may soon get a boost as All-Star slugger Bryce Harper appears close to returning from his wrist injury.
According to Bill Trocchi of the Associated Press, Harper took live batting practice on Saturday, June 28, signaling a possible comeback.
Bryce Harper Could Face a Difficult Situation in His First Game Back
Before his injury, Harper was batting .258 over 57 games this season before being placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. This year also marked Harper’s full-time move to first base, a position he began playing during his return from Tommy John surgery in 2024.
“He was great,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said about Harper’s batting practice on Saturday in Atlanta. “Looked like he got his bat speed, and his timing looked fine.”
Harper did not work out on the field on Sunday despite taking batting practice on Saturday.
“We’ll see how he is tomorrow and figure out where we go next,” Thomson said.
Bryce Harper could return to the #Phillies lineup as early as tonight as the #Padres come to South Philly to open a three-game set. https://t.co/rVEeZsA6rE
— Patrick Gordon (@PGordonPBR) June 30, 2025
Harper has not played since June 5, after getting pegged in the wrist in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Also returning to the majors is pitcher Matt Waldron, who could pose an intriguing challenge for Harper if he’s back in the lineup on Monday.
In 2024, Waldron threw his knuckleball 38% of the time, mixing in a sweeper (20%), four-seam fastball (18%), sinker (15%), and cutter (9%). Facing a knuckleball pitcher could disrupt Harper’s timing in his first game back, but his presence would still add valuable depth to the Phillies’ lineup.
Harper’s return brings a much-needed power threat back to the lineup. In his absence, Otto Kemp has filled in at first base but has hit only one home run this season, compared to Harper’s nine before his injury.
With the All-Star break about two weeks away, it might be wise to delay Harper’s return until afterward. However, Thomson will have the final say, and depending on Harper’s health on June 30, there’s a good chance the Phillies star could make an early comeback.