Bryce Harper Injury Update: Phillies Superstar Eyes Next-Week Comeback

Bryce Harper delivered the update Phillies fans have been waiting for: the two-time NL MVP says “next week is definitely in play” for his return from the 10-day injured list, where he’s been since June 7 with right-wrist inflammation. Speaking to reporters in Atlanta before Friday’s opener against the Braves, Harper confirmed he will face live pitching Saturday, the final hurdle before the club’s six-game homestand that begins Monday against San Diego. The 32-year-old slugger took early batting practice on the Truist Park field Friday, reporting no pain in the nagging spot that shut him down, though he admitted his timing “didn’t feel very good” and wants another round of swings to lock in. The team flew in Minor League arms Jack Dallas and Joel Kuhnel to simulate game speed, giving Harper a chance to test the wrist in full-effort swings before management and the medical staff clear him. Manager Rob Thomson echoed the cautious optimism, noting the club will “see how he comes out of it” and map the exact activation date afterward. If all goes well, Monday vs. the Padres or Friday vs. the Reds are the most realistic target games, timed perfectly to boost a lineup that has cooled during Harper’s absence. Why the urgency? Even sidelined, Harper remains the heartbeat of a roster chasing its third straight postseason berth. The first-baseman owns a .281 career average, .907 OPS, 345 homers and 1,010 RBIs, plus two MVP trophies (2015, 2021) and eight All-Star selections. Philadelphia entered the weekend atop the NL East but ranked just 10th in the league in slugging percentage since June 8; Harper’s left-handed thump is the quickest remedy. The Phillies also need clarity before the July 30 trade deadline. If Harper returns healthy, the front office can shift focus from first-base depth to bullpen upgrades. If flare-ups persist, president Dave Dombrowski may need insurance bats, complicating roster math and payroll. Harper emphasized he won’t compromise mechanics to rush back. “If I have to manipulate my swing, then I shouldn’t be out there,” he said, adding that lingering “aches” are normal but the sharp pain and swelling have subsided thanks to aggressive treatment. Long term, staffers will monitor workload and pre-game routines to prevent a recurrence of the same injury that hampered him late last season. Fantasy managers should plan accordingly: activate Harper the moment Philadelphia announces his reinstatement. DFS players can circle Citizens Bank Park’s friendly confines during next week’s homestand, while bettors should watch how quickly Harper’s power translates; his first-half ISO was .248 before the injury, well above league average. Key dates to watch • Saturday, June 28: Live BP vs. Dallas/Kuhnel (Atlanta) • Monday, June 30: Potential activation for series opener vs. Padres • Thursday, July 3: Team off-day for additional rest if needed • Friday, July 4: Backup activation date vs. Reds, fireworks night at CBP Bottom line: all signs point to Bryce Harper’s imminent return, and a healthy No. 3 in the order could be the spark that propels the Phillies from early-season darlings to legitimate World Series contenders. Stay tuned for the official transaction — and expect the Citizens Bank Park crowd to erupt the moment “The Showman” steps back into the box.