Bryce Harper has been placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation, and although surgery has been ruled out, manager Rob Thomson expects the two-time MVP to be sidelined for several weeks. The development is a painful blow to the veteran hitter—and to Philadelphia’s hopes of a postseason run.
Harper first reported wrist discomfort last season and again this year, starting in mid-April. Despite battling the pain—an MRI later revealed inflammation on June 6—Harper’s condition worsened. Pressure approach quickly unraveled, “It was just the right time for me to take my time and do things right,” Harper admitted of his decision to go to the IL.
Before being sidelined, Harper had thrown 20 at-bats and hit a ground ball in Friday’s practice. “Feeling good today,” he reported after practice. “I felt better than I thought I would, so I’m happy about that.” He added that he would re-evaluate after another day of batting practice, but stressed that there was “no structural issue” and no need for surgery.
Harper’s absence leaves a big hole in Philadelphia’s lineup. Batting .258 with nine home runs, 34 home runs and eight steals in 57 games, his power and presence at first base anchored the team’s offense. Without him, the Phillies lost seven of eight games and slipped in the NL East standings.
Manager Rob Thomson reflected on the personal sacrifice: “Bryce has played through pain before—this time it got to the point where he couldn’t function on the baseball field,” he said. “He wanted to be out there, but we had to put his long-term health first.”
Under the care of the team in Philadelphia, Harper is expected to rest and recover. With early indications that he will recover in 3–4 weeks, his actual return date remains uncertain. “It feels better than I thought it would, so I’m hopeful,” Harper said. “But we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
Rob Thomson emphasized the team’s cautious approach: no minor-league rehab assignment, just direct care with the major-league club.
In Harper’s absence, Alec Bohm is expected to take over at first base, and promising prospect Otto Kemp has been promoted to the active roster. But fans and the Phillies aren’t just missing production; Harper’s leadership is irreplaceable.