The Philadelphia Phillies have officially reinstated first baseman Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list, marking his return to action after nearly four weeks sidelined due to wrist inflammation. To accommodate Harper’s return, utilityman Buddy Kennedy has been designated for assignment.
Harper, who has been a key contributor to the Phillies’ lineup, aims to improve upon a .258 batting average, with a .368 on-base percentage and a .446 slugging percentage — numbers that represent a decline from his usual performance but remain above league average. Before his injury, Harper had shown signs of struggle, managing only a .143 batting average in eight games before the IL stint, suggesting that his wrist issues may have hindered his performance for some time.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson had previously noted that Harper’s wrist discomfort had persisted for a while, although specific details were not provided. Additionally, Harper faced an injury to his elbow from a pitch during his slump, indicating he may have been dealing with multiple ailments before taking a break to recover.
On the other hand, Buddy Kennedy, 26, has faced challenges in securing a consistent spot on the roster. This marks the second time this season he has been designated for assignment, after a brief stint in the majors where he went hitless in four games. Kennedy has had a modest career at the major league level, showcasing a better performance in the minor leagues with a notable .281 average in Triple-A. The Phillies now have a window of five days to either trade or waive Kennedy, with outcomes that could lead to further opportunities for him, whether that’s with another team or as a free agent.
The return of Harper is undoubtedly a positive development for the Phillies as they aim to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season. His ability to bounce back and contribute at the plate is critical for the team’s offensive output moving forward.