Bryce Harper Stuns MLB Fans with Jaw-Dropping Home Run Spree – Must-See Highlights

PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper is back. The Philadelphia Phillies activated their two-time MVP from the 10-day injured list Monday, ending a 22-game absence caused by inflammation in his right wrist. Harper slotted in as the designated hitter against the San Diego Padres and wasted no time declaring himself “ready to go,” a sentiment the club hopes will reignite an offense that cooled noticeably in his absence. The 32-year-old had not played since June 5, when recurring soreness in the joint forced the team to shut him down. After two weeks of rest, daily treatment, and a brief stint hitting off a tee, Harper convinced trainers that the issue was inflammation rather than structural damage, clearing the way for a quick rehab assignment and Monday’s reinstatement. Before landing on the IL, Harper carried a .302/.412/.560 slash line with 18 home runs, 54 RBI and a 3.5 fWAR — production that kept Philadelphia within striking distance of Atlanta atop the NL East. The Phillies went 10-12 without him and saw their team OPS dip nearly 40 points, underscoring how central his left-handed thunder is to the lineup. Manager Rob Thomson said Harper will DH exclusively through the All-Star break (July 15-17) and could begin throwing programs afterward with an eye on returning to right field “late July or early August.” That timeline aligns with the club’s push to solidify postseason positioning and could influence front-office activity ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. League sources already link Philadelphia to bullpen upgrades, including Pirates All-Star closer David Bednar, a move that would pair nicely with a fully healthy middle of the order. Harper’s return also creates welcome lineup flexibility. Kyle Schwarber can slide back to left field on occasion, allowing Edmundo Sosa or Whit Merrifield extra at-bats in the designated-hitter spot. Rookie Otto Kemp, who was summoned when Harper first hit the IL, remains on the roster as bench depth and offers late-inning speed and defense. Individually, Harper still has milestones within reach. He is 23 hits shy of 1,600 for his career and needs two more home runs to become the 13th active player with 350. A strong July would also bolster his case for a fourth Silver Slugger Award and keep him in the conversation for a third MVP, something no Phillies player has accomplished since Mike Schmidt. Most important, though, is Harper’s ability to lengthen at-bats and wear down opposing staffs. The Phillies’ collective pitches-seen-per-plate-appearance fell from 4.05 to 3.78 during his absence, a subtle but telling drop that translated into fewer early exits for starters and more high-leverage work for opposing bullpens. With Harper back grinding counts, Philadelphia regains its trademark offensive identity — patient yet punishing. The schedule offers an immediate litmus test: a six-game homestand against the Padres and Mets, followed by a road series versus the division-leading Braves. If Harper’s wrist holds up and the swing looks as effortless as it did in Monday’s pre-game batting practice, the Phillies could emerge from that stretch not just healthy, but suddenly favored to repeat as National League champions.