Back in May 2024, Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper began experiencing wrist discomfort. Although the issue appeared to ease over time, it has resurfaced more than a year later. On June 7, the Phillies placed their star player on the 10-day injured list, hoping the time off will finally help resolve the persistent problem.
Harper is not only the heart of the Phillies’ roster but also a fierce competitor. Seeing him sidelined again with a recurring injury has left fans and the organization questioning their long-term approach. While the team is capable of treading water in his absence, it remains to be seen how effective Harper—and the offense as a whole—will be if the problem lingers.
No Clear Return Date for Harper
Speaking from Pittsburgh, Harper explained the severity of the injury. “It’s gotten to the point where I just can’t function on the field or swing a bat,” he said, per MLB.com’s Paul Casella. “It’s the right time to step back and fix it.”
Unfortunately, there’s no firm timetable for his return. “We’ve got to let it calm down, go through treatment, and take it from there,” Harper added.
According to The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes, Harper has begun responding positively to treatment. Still, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline remains a concern.
A Lineup Missing Its Star
The Phillies managed a 10–7 record last season while Harper was sidelined with a hamstring strain—even without Kyle Schwarber for much of that stretch. This season, however, hasn’t been as forgiving. The team has gone just 3–7 since Harper’s latest injury, which followed a separate incident where he missed five games after taking a 95-mph fastball to the elbow.
Despite their early-season 36–20 surge, the Phillies’ offense has since cooled. Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Cubs, the team had hit just .223 in June. Pitching hasn’t helped either: their staff posted a 5.33 ERA over the last 10 games (6.15 from starters, 4.27 from relievers).
Still, there’s some hope. A dramatic 11-inning walk-off win over the Cubs on Monday, followed by a solid 7–2 victory, might be just the spark the team needs to shake off this slump. Every good team hits a rough patch—it just can’t spiral like it did last year.
Looking Ahead Without Panic
The Phillies remain contenders, with or without Harper at full strength. It’s not ideal, but it’s far from a death knell. Baseball fans will remember Freddie Freeman thriving in the postseason last year despite an ankle injury, and the Braves’ 2021 title run after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. midseason.
As Harper recovers, fans should also recall his incredible 2022 postseason, where he led a World Series charge while playing with a torn UCL. If anyone can fight through adversity and still lead a team, it’s him.