Two and a half years ago, Bryce Harper delivered the loudest swing in Citizens Bank Park history — a thunderclap of a homer that sent the Phillies past the Padres and into the World Series. It was a moment frozen in time, burned into every fan’s memory, and a reminder of how October baseball feels in South Philly.
Now, Harper might be stepping back into the box against San Diego again — this time with less at stake, but with the same energy building.
He hasn’t played since June 5 due to a wrist injury, but his return appears imminent, potentially as soon as Monday night. That possibility adds weight to what would otherwise be a standard early-summer series. If he plays, it will be against the same team — and possibly the same reliever — that couldn’t stop him when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, the Padres limp into town after a gut-punch loss Sunday in Cincinnati, blowing a one-run lead in the ninth. They’d been nearly automatic when leading late, but their bullpen cracked, casting doubt over what’s been a quietly inconsistent stretch.
The Phillies, by contrast, are getting the job done — not with fireworks, but with pitching while leaning heavily on the best rotation ERA in the majors. Even without Harper, the club has managed to stay atop the National League conversation thanks to dominant starting pitching and just enough timely offense.
Monday's series opener brings a marquee matchup on the mound: Zack Wheeler, who’s been nearly untouchable over the last month, goes for the Phillies. He’s 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego and continues to stack Cy Young-caliber performances.
San Diego counters with Matt Waldron, making his 2025 debut after spending three months on the injured list. The knuckleballer handled the Phillies in his last visit to Citizens Bank Park, allowing just one run over seven innings in a September win.
The stakes this week may not be postseason-level, but there’s a pulse to this series — Harper circling, the Padres reeling, and the Phillies pitching like October is already calling.
The Padres are seven games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, meanwhile, the Phillies hold a 1 1/2 game lead over the Mets in the NL East.
The Phillies also have some roster questions that need to be addressed. Perhaps this series will further solidify Dave Dombrowski's plans as the trade deadline approaches.
Pitching Matchups
Monday: RHP Zack Wheeler (7-3, 2.45) vs. RHP Mitch Waldron (0-0, 0.00)
Tuesday: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (6-2, 2.79) vs. RHP Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36)
Wednesday: RHP Mick Abel (2-1, 3.47) vs. RHP Dylan Cease (3-7, 4.53)
Clubhouse Banter
Max Kepler told reporters last week he was unhappy with his situation in Philadelphia because he was promised the starting job in left field. Fact is, he's played more outfield on the roster than anyone aside from Nick Castellanos. He just hasn't been good enough to stay in the lineup on a consistent basis. He's hitting .207 with a 85 OPS+. He's here on a one-year deal, and with his production below the Major League average, it's entirely possible at some point over the coming weeks the Phillies cut bait with the veteran.
