Phillies News: Bryce Harper returning, Garrett Stubbs announcement, Otto Kemp's first

Phew! A lot has happened with the Philadelphia Phillies over the last week, both on and off the field. From the shockingly poor offensive showing in Houston to the explosion on Friday night to the ongoing war of words between disgruntled left fielder Max Kepler and Phillies manager Rob Thomson about playing time, there has been plenty to keep us busy as Phillies fans.

While all of those storylines are all fascinating in their own way, we have some other news to cover today, beginning with the most important player on the Phillies' roster.

Phillies News: Bryce Harper should return to the Phillies' lineup this week

As the Phils come home to begin a six-game homestand at Citizens Bank Park against the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, we will hopefully get first baseman Bryce Harper back into the lineup. He originally went on the 10-day IL on June 7 with wrist inflammation, and it's been a slow burn on the path back to health.

As MLB.com's Paul Casella reported from Atlanta on Friday, Harper is eyeing a return this week. He didn't put a definitive day on it, but Casella seems to think Monday is a possibility.

"I think next week is definitely in play," Harper said on Friday, per Casella. "But I don't want to solidify which day or anything like that. But I'm happy with where I'm at."

According to MLB.com, Harper took the next step over the weekend, facing minor league pitchers Jack Dallas and Joel Kuhnel, with Thomson saying that he looks like he's got his bat speed and timing.

After a scheduled day off on Sunday, Harper still seems to be on track.

Harper is batting .258 with an .814 OPS, nine home runs and 34 RBIs through 57 games this season. Phillies fans will be hoping that the two-time MVP will be fully healthy when he returns to the lineup. The frustratingly streaky offense could use Harper at his best right about now.

IronPigs' catcher Garrett Stubbs announces participation in 2026 WBC

Down on the farm, popular catcher Garrett Stubbs made an announcement last week that he would be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team Israel.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to represent Israel in the World Baseball Classic,” Stubbs said, per Israel Baseball's website. “Being able to connect with my heritage on such a global stage, alongside so many talented players, is a truly special opportunity. I’m ready to help Team Israel compete at the highest level.”

After spending the last three seasons as J.T. Realmuto's backup on the big league squad, Stubbs has spent the 2025 season playing for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The 32-year-old is batting .263 with a .744 OPS, five home runs and 33 RBIs.

Otto Kemp blasts first MLB homer against rival Braves

Perhaps a bit lost amid the jubilance of handing the rival Braves a convincing 13-0 thumping on Friday was rookie Otto Kemp's first home run in the major leagues. Playing in his 18th game with the Phillies, Kemp hit a three-run homer in the top of the third inning against Braves starter Bryce Elder. The blast put the good guys up 8-0.

"It was a cool moment," Kemp said, per MLB.com's Paul Casella. "Something I'll remember forever. It was awesome. It felt like a long time coming. I just knew it was a matter of time before it happened."

The blast left the bat at 100.7mph and went 405 feet to left center field.

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