The Philadelphia Phillies have placed star first baseman Bryce Harper on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his right wrist. The move is retroactive to Friday, June 6, 2025, and comes amid a challenging stretch for the team, which has lost seven of its last eight games.
Harper, a two-time National League MVP and eight-time All-Star, had recently returned to the lineup after missing five games due to a right elbow injury sustained on May 27. However, he has struggled at the plate since his return, going 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in back-to-back losses to the Toronto Blue Jays. This recent downturn in performance, combined with the recurrence of wrist inflammation, led the Phillies’ medical staff to place him on the injured list.
The wrist issue is not new for Harper. He has battled similar discomfort in his right wrist throughout the previous season and has previously admitted to playing through both wrist and elbow injuries. Despite these challenges, Harper has remained a key contributor to the Phillies’ offense. This season, he is batting .258 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .814 OPS—the lowest since 2016.
In a corresponding move, the Phillies have called up infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp, 25, is set to make his Major League debut. He has been impressive in the minors this season, posting a .317 batting average, 14 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 57 games. Kemp was also named the International League Player of the Month in April.
With Harper sidelined, the Phillies are expected to adjust their lineup accordingly. Third baseman Alec Bohm is anticipated to cover first base duties, a position Harper has primarily manned since returning from Tommy John surgery. This adjustment reflects the team’s “next-man-up” mentality, aiming to maintain competitiveness despite key injuries.
The Phillies’ recent struggles have coincided with the absence of several key players. In addition to Harper, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has also been placed on the injured list due to a left groin strain. Catcher J.T. Realmuto and pitchers Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull are also sidelined. Despite these challenges, manager Rob Thomson remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s depth and resilience. “Next man up mentality,” Harper said. “We’ve done a great job of that all year long. Pony up, cowboy up, play the game.”
As the Phillies navigate this challenging period, the performance of players like Otto Kemp will be crucial. Kemp’s call-up provides an opportunity for him to make an impact at the Major League level, potentially easing the burden on the team’s offense during Harper’s absence.
Looking ahead, the Phillies will continue their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates today, Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 10:35 AM PDT. The team will be eager to turn around their recent fortunes and remain competitive in the National League East division.
## MLB Schedule
– Phillies @ Pirates on Sunday, Jun 08, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT
– Cubs @ Phillies on Monday, Jun 09, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT
– Cubs @ Phillies on Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT
– Cubs @ Phillies on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 at 10:05 AM PDT
– Blue Jays @ Phillies on Friday, Jun 13, 2025 at 03:45 PM PDT
– Blue Jays @ Phillies on Saturday, Jun 14, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT
– Blue Jays @ Phillies on Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT
– Phillies @ Marlins on Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 03:40 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Marlins on Tuesday, Jun 17, 2025 at 03:40 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Marlins on Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025 at 03:40 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Marlins on Thursday, Jun 19, 2025 at 03:40 PM PDT
– Mets @ Phillies on Friday, Jun 20, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT
– Mets @ Phillies on Saturday, Jun 21, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT
– Mets @ Phillies on Sunday, Jun 22, 2025 at 04:10 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Astros on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 at 05:10 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Astros on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2025 at 05:10 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Astros on Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 at 11:10 AM PDT
– Phillies @ Braves on Friday, Jun 27, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Braves on Saturday, Jun 28, 2025 at 04:15 PM PDT
– Phillies @ Braves on Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 at 10:35 AM PDT
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