The Return of Bryce Harper

Aug 25, 2022

The Time Has Come

Bryce Harper is set to make his return Friday. The Phillies are activating the star right-fielder, turned DH (for the season), who hasn’t played since June 25th. Although the Phillies have felt Harper’s absence, they have held down the fort without him. Philadelphia went 32-20 while Harper was out with a broken thumb.

Harper played the last two nights in Lehigh Valley with the Iron Pigs. In his first at-bat, Harper went yard to right field and later, added a three-run opposite field home run. Not to be outdone by himself, Harper ended Wednesday’s game with a walk-off double. While in Triple-A, he went 5/8, with two home runs and six RBIs. It’s safe to say he seemed ready to make his return.

The Return

After dominating Triple-A the last two nights, Harper feels healthy enough to be back in the lineup. While the Phillies were good without Harper, the offense has needed a boost. Harper is undoubtedly the player who will provide that boost. With Bohm, Realmuto, and Castellanos all on hot streaks and the return of Schwarber and Harper, the Phillies offense is back at full strength for what feels like the first time all season.

Bohm has been on fire since the All-Star break, but I still believe Harper would slide back into the third spot in the lineup. On the other hand, you could put Bryce at clean up. He will have plenty of RBI opportunities with Bohm hitting so well. Then you have Realmuto and Castellanos following behind Bryce. This Phillies lineup has the potential to be dangerous come playoff time.

Red October?

The Phillies are currently in the second wild-card spot. They sit two games ahead of the Padres but are eight behind the Braves. Ideally, you want the first wild card spot because you get the series at home, but the second spot seems most likely.

There are no excuses anymore. The return of Harper should mean the return of playoff baseball. Having Bryce back on the field in South Philly will be an incredible sight.

The Return of Bryce Harper

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