The Philadelphia Phillies secured the NL East title for the second year in a row on September 15 and are close to locking in a top-two seed, which would give them a first-round bye. Their offense remains a major strength, powered by stars like Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and franchise cornerstone Bryce Harper. Now in his seventh season with the team, Harper has lived up to expectations, earning the 2021 NL MVP, two All-Star nods, and three Silver Slugger Awards. The 32-year-old has delivered another standout performance in 2025, battling through wrist issues to post a .263 batting average, .358 OBP, .853 OPS, with 27 homers and 75 RBIs over 128 games.
Bryce Harper Update Ahead of Marlins Series
Before the Phillies opened their series against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, Harper was a late scratch from the lineup, with Otto Kemp taking over at first base. Just before the game, manager Rob Thomson revealed that Harper was dealing with an illness, and it was unclear whether he’d be available off the bench (via Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation). While his absence is a concern as the team gears up for the postseason, it’s reassuring that it’s not injury-related. If his condition improves, Harper’s next chance to return to the lineup will be on Wednesday.
Bryce Harper is sick today, Rob Thomson said.
Phillies plan to activate Edmundo Sosa tomorrow and hope Trea Turner can return this weekend. Both players hit live BP off minor leaguers today.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) September 23, 2025
Bryce Harper has enjoyed an outstanding 14-year MLB career and has been one of the sport’s most electrifying players since his debut with the Washington Nationals in 2012. With a resume that includes the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, two NL MVP awards, eight All-Star appearances, and four Silver Slugger honors, he’s building a strong case for the Hall of Fame.
The one achievement that continues to elude him is a World Series title—and with each passing season, his window to secure one narrows. Harper came close in 2022, earning NLCS MVP honors after a dominant performance against the Padres, but the Phillies ultimately fell to the Astros in six games. Now, as he recovers from illness, Harper hopes to return healthy and help lead Philadelphia on another deep playoff run.
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