Bryce Harper reminded everyone he is HIM in Phillies’ 13–0 rout of the Giants

It’s been a quiet stretch for Bryce Harper. Too quiet.

Coming into Wednesday’s game, he had just one hit in his last 14 at-bats. The wrist had been barking, the power had disappeared, and fans were starting to wonder if he was playing through something bigger. Then he stepped into the box against Justin Verlander and reminded everyone exactly who the hell he is.

Four extra-base hits. One majestic opposite-field homer. Three doubles. One loud statement:

“I’m really good. I mean, I really am,” Harper said postgame.

No lies detected.

Bryce Harper Home Run 

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The Phillies absolutely demolished the Giants, 13–0, behind a vintage performance from Harper and another gem from Jesús Luzardo, who tossed seven shutout innings and struck out seven.

The story was all about No. 3. This was Bryce Harper’s first home run since returning from the injured list and, somehow, the first time he’d taken Verlander deep in his career.

“That’s an all-timer, man,” Harper said of Verlander. “All the respect to him, but I was happy I was able to get that out of the way.”

Bryce Harper’s bat wasn’t the only one cooking. The Phillies piled on with 13 runs and 17 hits, including a Kyle Schwarber moon bomb in the 8th, his 29th of the season.

JT Realmuto racked up three more hits. Alec Bohm drove in two. Nick Castellanos added two of his own. Even Edmundo Sosa got in on the RBI party. It was a West Coast beatdown that put Philly back on top of the NL East.

“My swing feels fine, it’s nothing physical or anything like that…I hadn’t really put myself in great situations the last 9 or 10 games.”

Bryce Harper on @NBCSPhilly postgame.

— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) July 9, 2025

This was always going to happen. The amount of bullshit on the internet and Philly Sports Talk Radio about Bryce Harper’s wrist injury, how he needs to adjust his approach at the plate, and how the city has already seen the “best days” of their former MVP were absolutely ridiculous. 

This is beautiful:

NL East Standings (as of July 9):

1. Phillies – 54-39
2. Mets – 53-39 (0.5 GB)
3. Marlins – 42-48
4. Braves – 39-51
5. Nationals – 37-54

“If Harp gets hot,” manager Rob Thomson said, “it might be fun to watch.”

Buddy… it’s already fun. The Phillies now head to San Diego to continue the West Coast swing with Ranger Suárez on the bump Friday. And if Harper’s bat is waking up? Buckle up. This could be the run.

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