The Philadelphia Phillies need all the help they can get — and if Bryce Harper is able to return soon, it could give a much-needed boost to a team that’s been worn down lately. That return might not be far off.
“Bryce Harper threw and took some dry swings in Philadelphia today (June 19th). The plan is to get him outside tomorrow (June 20th) and throw a little bit longer/further, and potentially hit off the tee,” reported Lochlahn March on X.
March also noted that the Phillies could soon have a clearer picture of when Harper will be back: “The team will have more clarity on a timeline for his return when they see him tomorrow.”
When was the last time Harper played for the Phillies?
Harper has been out since June 5th. His final game wasn’t a great one, especially compared to the previous day’s performance. In fact, Harper hasn’t recorded a hit since June 3rd, when the Phillies beat the Blue Jays 8–3.
Despite his absence, the Phillies have managed to hold up well, losing just two of their last ten MLB games. Kyle Schwarber recently smashed his 23rd home run of the season, helping steady the team after a stretch where they had lost nine of ten.
June: A month of injuries for Harper
This isn’t the first time June has given Harper trouble — it’s historically been the month where he’s suffered the most injuries throughout his MLB career. Between 2021 and 2022, he dealt with five injuries in June alone. In 2024, he’s added two more: a hamstring issue and, most recently, a wrist injury suffered on June 6.
