Bryce Harper is nearing a return, and it could come as soon as next week as the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman has been sidelined since June 6 with right wrist inflammation.
The Athletic’s Phillies insider Matt Gelb reports that Harper did his “full routine” Monday prior to the Houston Astros game. He started hitting off a tee last week.
“Everyone is reporting good progress; the club remains vague on a timetable,” Gelb posted on X. “They haven’t ruled out a return this weekend in Atlanta, but next week sounds more realistic.”
Bryce Harper (wrist) is doing his “full routine” today. Everyone is reporting good progress; the club remains vague on a timetable. They haven’t ruled out a return this weekend in Atlanta, but next week sounds more realistic.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 24, 2025
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Corey Seidman reports that Harper took 50 swings from a tee and soft toss. He also fielded grounders at first and threw. Harper could take batting practice from an indoor cage on Wednesday if his wrist feels good.
“Good, a lot better,” manager Rob Thomson said of Harper. “Just keep progressing intensity, volume.”
Harper, who dealt with the same issue last year, will not need surgery.
Without Harper, the Phillies have gone 10-5 and reclaimed first place in the National League East — 1.5 games up on the New York Mets after taking two of three from them at home.
Alec Bohm, Otto Kemp and recently called-up Buddy Kennedy have been manning first base since Harper went down.
Before his injury, Harper was slashing .258/.368/.446 with nine home runs, 13 doubles, a 123 OPS+ and 1.4 bWAR.