All-Star first baseman Bryce Harper is progressing steadily in his recovery and may soon rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies’ roster. Since being sidelined in late May with a right wrist injury, Harper took significant steps Thursday by throwing and taking dry swings for the first time since going on the injured list.

This advancement follows his earlier work handling ground balls last weekend and marks a hopeful sign for both the player and the team. The Phillies expect to provide a clearer timeline for Harper’s return during an update scheduled for Friday, according to reporter Lochlahn March of The Inquirer.

Current First Base Situation as Harper Recovers

In Harper’s absence, newcomer Otto Kemp has filled the role at first base, starting for the seventh consecutive game on Thursday night. The 25-year-old rookie from California has performed well, recording 10 hits in 36 at-bats with four RBIs and a .639 OPS in his first 10 games.

Before his injury, Harper had been batting .258 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs over 253 at-bats, boasting a .814 OPS and contributing 1.5 bWAR to the Phillies. These efforts helped push Philadelphia to second place in the National League East, just one game behind the New York Mets as of Thursday.

Philadelphia Phillies’ Standings and Playoff Outlook

The Phillies held a 44-30 record and maintained a 4 1/2 game lead in the NL Wild Card race at the time of reporting. If the playoffs began today, Philadelphia would be the National League’s fourth seed, preparing to face the San Francisco Giants. Harper’s potential return is critical as the team looks to close the gap with division leaders and make a strong postseason push.