Bryce Harper caught testing his hamstring before Phillies game

The Philadelphia Phillies are comfortably in first place in the National League West. Credit goes to the team’s 10-game win over the Atlanta Braves; the team is in great shape across the board. However, with their ace Bryce Harper getting injured and being placed on the 10-day disabled list, their offensive department has looked a little sluggish. He awkwardly tried to extend his leg to single, which led to him landing on his injured hamstring.

Still, every day is a new beginning, and Harper was spotted running the bases before Saturday’s game against the Braves. It was a hamstring injury suffered on June 27 against the Miami Marlins. On the final play of the game, he limped out, reflecting on past injuries and hoping for a possible return after his recovery.

Bryce Harper hopes for return against Atlanta Braves

Ever since Bryce Harper left the field, fans have been worried about the future of his career. However, after all the tests, it was found that the injury was not serious. Despite his injuries, Harper put on a good show during his sprint training session.

Separately, in a report for Fox Sports, top MLB insider Ken Rosenthal provided an update on Harper’s injury: “Harper will probably be back late next week, but Kyle Schwarber will be back first.” In addition to Bryce’s injury, teammate Schwarber is dealing with a left groin injury. Kyle could well return, followed closely by Harper.

Without a doubt, Bryce Harper was the Phillies’ key player before his recent injury. In his last 76 games before his groin issue, the two-time MVP hit 20 home runs and 20 doubles. That brought his low slugging percentage to an impressive .582. Additionally, the Philadelphia first baseman posted a staggering .981 OPS as well as a 3.7 WAR. Currently, despite missing games due to injury, Bryce still leads the league in home runs and WAR. He still ranks fifth in slugging percentage, OPS, walks, and offensive winning percentage.

Ultimately, all the rankings and plate numbers didn’t go unnoticed by fans. For the 2024 All-Star Game selection, Bryce Harper received the most votes in the National League. Perhaps, despite the Phillies’ star slugger being such a valuable asset, his absence didn’t put the Phillies under pressure.

Phillies continue to progress without Harper in lineup

While some teams are struggling without their star players, the Phillies remain strong. Without Harper in their lineup since June 27, they are 5-2, continuing their dominance in the National League East. Even more, they are crushing the Atlanta Braves, not counting the very last game, where they lost 5-1.

Plus, Bryce’s injury aside, the Phillies are doing just fine without their big-time prospect, Kyle Schwarber. He suffered a groin strain just a day before Bryce’s injury and left the field. The duo has been terrific in keeping their team atop the standings. Both hit a combined 37 home runs before getting hurt.

However, even on offense, without Harper, they are doing very well. Despite the presence of hitters like Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner, both have managed to score runs in his absence. Castellanos, alongside Turner, has also been a key player for the Phillies. During the 2024 season, he hit 12 home runs and 43 RBIs, with a batting average of .238, he seems to be in good shape. Also, Trea Turner is no exception. He hit two home runs in the last game against the Braves, ending his team’s losing streak.

Ultimately, as things stand, the Phillies are doing just fine without their key asset, Bryce Harper. So Harper doesn’t need to rush his recovery. As reports suggest, he is on track and his return could be scheduled for July 9. However, it all depends on his recovery time and when he feels 100% fit, he could come back and resume his dominant run in the MLB league.