Bryce Harper, sidelined since June 5 due to wrist inflammation, is expected to rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies in Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres. The Phillies placed Harper on the 10-day injured list shortly after his injury, and his return has sparked discussion, especially given the Padres’ plan to start knuckleball pitcher Matt Waldron.
Harper resumed batting practice on Friday and took swings against minor league pitchers on Saturday as part of his preparation. Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. appeared on Monday’s Phillies Show and expressed reservations about Harper’s return matchup. He questioned whether it was prudent for Harper to face a knuckleballer like Waldron in his first game back, citing concerns about hitting rhythm.
“Now I know that Waldron is pitching,” Amaro Jr. said. “Matt Waldron’s pitching. He’s a knuckleballer. I’m not sure, frankly, if he wants to start his road back facing a guy who’s tossing knuckleballs up there. That’s not good for your rhythm.”
—Ruben Amaro Jr., Former GM
San Diego Padres insider Kevin Acee revealed that the team will bring Waldron up from Triple-A El Paso to start in this game. Waldron, who made his major league debut in 2023, has spent time alternating between the Padres and their Triple-A affiliate. He has yet to appear in a 2025 game due to an oblique injury suffered during spring training.
“I do think that he’s going to be activated either tonight or tomorrow, and that’s going to be a big boost,” Amaro Jr. added. “Even if he’s not Bryce Harper, Bryce Harper, which he probably won’t be, I think what you will get is sort of a domino effect of protection in the lineup and depth in the lineup.”
—Ruben Amaro Jr., Former GM
Amaro Jr. emphasized that Harper’s presence in the lineup is significant not just for his individual talent but also because it reduces pressure on his teammates, potentially improving the overall performance of the Phillies’ batting order.
Diverging Opinions on Harper’s Return Matchup
While Ruben Amaro Jr. expressed skepticism about beginning Harper’s comeback facing a knuckleball pitcher, Phillies insider Jim Salisbury offered a contrasting perspective. Salisbury suggested that Waldron’s pitching style might offer a suitable environment for Harper’s cautious return to form.
“I know it’s a knuckleballer,” Salisbury said. “Here’s a weird thought for you. When you face a knuckleballer, you swing easy. Perfect time maybe for Bryce Harper to come back, swing easy.”
—Jim Salisbury, Phillies Insider
Amaro Jr. acknowledged Salisbury’s point but questioned whether Harper had adjusted to a softer approach at bat. Salisbury responded that Harper had indeed been swinging with control in limited attempts, producing positive outcomes.
Implications for the Phillies’ National League East Position
The Phillies currently lead the National League East with 49 victories, holding a one-and-a-half game advantage over the New York Mets, who are undergoing a slump. Harper’s return adds an experienced force to Philadelphia’s lineup as they seek to extend their lead and maintain momentum throughout the season. The strategic decision to have Harper face Waldron risks disrupting his hitting rhythm, but it also carries the potential to rejuvenate both the player and the team‘s offensive dynamics.