The Philadelphia Phillies finally have their star first baseman Bryce Harper back in their lineup after getting sidelined by a wrist injury. The club managed to get by in his absence with a 14-14 record, but the team was clearly missing a big bat in the middle of their lineup.
Although Harper didn't make an immediate impact in his return from the injured list, he's doing everything in his power to work his way back into star form. He feels good and confident returning to the batter's box, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
Wednesday was a prime example that it's only a matter of time before the gears start turning for the 14-year veteran. Harper works through his struggles just like any other major leaguer, and the hard work seems to be paying off, and that bodes well for the Phillies' offense.
Wednesday's career game proves Bryce Harper is back to feeling like himself
The Phillies took the finale in Wednesday's matchup against the San Francisco Giants, just one night removed from the disaster on Tuesday. Harper exploded, going 4-for-6 with three doubles, a home run and three runs scored. His game at the plate defined the Phillies' offense as they went on to rout the Giants 13-0.
The hot streak for Harper hasn't been immediate after suffering the same injury he dealt with last season. He's still trying to find his footing and may have finally caught a break. Coming into Wednesday, since his return on June 30, he was 4-for-24 with no extra-base hits. One four-hit day doesn't solve everything, but hitting four extra-base hits in one game for the first time in his career is a great start. All four of his hits were also hard hits with exit velocities over 95 mph.
How 'bout an oppo taco? pic.twitter.com/wUZ3bc4pXo
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 9, 2025
On the season, Harper is hitting .259/.370/.449, good for an .819 OPS. It's far from his career mark of .906, but there's enough time to get him going and settle in for the stretch run after the All-Star break. Harper is still one of the best in athletes in baseball and he knows when he's locked in. He feels great physically and knows what he's still capable of, according to Zolecki.
“I mean, I’m really good,” Harper said after Wednesday's win, per Zolecki. “I really am. I don’t want to put that out there and everybody goes, ‘What’s he talking about?’ But I know when I’m going well, I’m one of the best in baseball. Like I said, I’m healthy, I’m strong, I feel great. It’s just putting myself into plus counts. I haven’t done that. You guys have seen that. I haven’t done that. I feel stronger than ever. I feel like today being able to go oppo and do those things … anywhere else I might have three homers. Right? Those are the things you think about.”
It's understandable how frustrating it can be with Harper's bad luck with injuries and having to hold your breath on every inside pitch at the fear of him getting hit. One thing is for certain and it's that Harper will eventually turn it around and when he does, the offense follows. There's few players in baseball that can fulfill the moments in a batter's box at his peak, but Harper is a special talent and Phillies fans have little to worry about if they keep that in mind.