Bryce Harper Returns to Phillies Lineup Against Padres
The Philadelphia Phillies activated Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list on Monday, marking his return after a 22-game absence due to a right wrist injury. Harper will bat third as the Phillies kick off a three-game series against the San Diego Padres.
Prior to the game, Harper expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that his wrist feels "way better" than earlier in the season. However, he acknowledged that managing the injury will be necessary for the remainder of the season. "I didn't think that I was going to take any other steps forward in terms of feeling better or anything like that," he explained, noting that his recovery had reached a "standstill."
Harper was placed on the injured list on June 6 and recently joined the team in Atlanta, where he participated in a workout before facing the Braves. "He was great," said Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson over the weekend. "Looked like he got his bat speed and his timing looked fine."
To accommodate Harper's return, infielder Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment. Kennedy had played four games for the Phillies after his contract was selected on June 19, contributing a solid performance with a .283 batting average and an .835 OPS during his time with Lehigh Valley.
Harper, 32, has had a productive season thus far, boasting a .258 batting average with 13 doubles, nine home runs, and 34 RBIs across 253 plate appearances. He originally entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals and later signed with the Phillies as a free agent in March 2019.
As of Monday night, the Phillies sit atop the NL East standings, having recorded a 13-14 record without Harper in the lineup. The team looks to capitalize on his return as they face off against the Padres.
Kennedy, hailing from Millville, New Jersey, had an impressive season with Lehigh Valley before his brief stint with Philadelphia. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 and was acquired by the Phillies from the Detroit Tigers in June 2024.
