Phillies’ Bryce Harper finally breaks silence with measured injury update, return timeline still unclear

The Philadelphia Phillies are taking cautious steps as they await a clearer timeline for Bryce Harper’s return. On Friday, the star slugger tested his inflamed right wrist by hitting off a tee and playing catch—his first baseball activities since landing on the injured list two weeks ago. Though his movements were limited and he wore a brace throughout, Harper offered a glimmer of optimism.

“Felt good today,” he said after the session, according to MLB.com. “I felt better than I thought it was [going to], so I’m happy about that.” Still, he emphasized that no timetable has been set for a comeback, and that the injury remains day-to-day. This cautious tone reflects the uncertainty surrounding Harper’s wrist, an issue that has silently plagued his 2024 campaign since mid-April.

The Phillies have been reluctant to speculate on a firm return date, and Harper echoed that approach. “This is the first day swinging a bat, so I’ve just got to see how it feels tomorrow,” he noted. “Once we do, I’ll ramp up and see where I am.” It’s a wait-and-see process that hinges entirely on how well he tolerates the pain.

An injury without clear answers

Harper had tried to power through the discomfort earlier this season, including returning shortly after taking a pitch off his right elbow on May 27. But by early June, the pain was no longer tolerable. “I understand what I can tolerate and what I can’t,” he said. “It got to the point where I just couldn’t do it.”

Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets during their game at Citi Field on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

What’s complicating the matter is the lack of medical clarity. Despite consultations with multiple doctors, Harper said there’s “a lot of inflammation in that area,” but no structural damage, and “no surgery” is required. That rules out a worst-case scenario but doesn’t offer much in terms of actionable treatment.

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The source of the inflammation remains a mystery. Harper was reportedly pain-free from December through mid-April—months when his workload was minimal. But once the daily grind of the season began, the symptoms resurfaced, echoing the same problem he experienced during the 2023 season.

What comes next for Harper and the Phillies?

As of now, Harper’s progress will depend on how his wrist responds over the next few days. Pain management is the key variable—and one that offers no predictable outcome. When asked if he expects rest to solve the problem, Harper replied: “I hope the pain gets out of there, right? I don’t want to play in pain at all.”

Workload adjustments may eventually be necessary. “I think those are things we’re going to have to answer once I get going again — how many swings I’m going to take, how many times I’m going to throw,” he said. For a player as intense and consistent as Harper, limiting volume will require both discipline and strategy.

For now, the Phillies remain in limbo, hopeful that Harper’s recovery stays on track but bracing for possible setbacks. With the MLB team pushing for postseason contention, the presence—or absence—of their franchise player looms large.