This year, the Phillies are absolutely on the right path to achieve their October dreams. With a commanding 47-32 record, they’ve surged to the top, even toppling powerhouses like the Mets. And as the wins pile up, one question has started echoing louder among Phillies fans. What happens when their franchise cornerstone finally returns?

If reports are to be believed, Bryce Harper is inching closer to his comeback. He has been struggling with his wrist since June 7. While surgery is not needed, it would take some more time to get it right. Now with rehab in full swing, it’s about counting days for Harper’s return.

“Bryce Harper (wrist) is doing his ‘full routine’ today. Everyone is reporting good progress; the club remains vague on a timetable. They haven’t ruled out a return this weekend in Atlanta, but next week sounds more realistic,” the Athletic’s columnist Matt Gelb reported.

So, it is certain that we are not getting Harper against the Astros, and maybe not against the Braves, too. But he is on track to get back by then. And probably, next week, the series against the Padres will witness Harper on the field.

Gelb also talked about how Harper’s full routine is going on. Even against the Astros, you could expect the Phillies’ slugger to do some 50 swings, fielding mockups, and throwing sessions. If all goes well, Harper will take the batting sessions by Wednesday.

Considering the Phillies’ recent performance, it makes sense for them to let Harper take his own time.

Since Harper was sidelined with an injury, the Phillies are going 10-5, including 5 runs a game. Plus, in his absence, the Phillies got spoiled with a few other names rising to the occasion – Trea Turner and Alex Bohm. Both are hitting around .300. Additionally, Kyle Schwarber is an absolute beast at the plate, hitting 24 homers until now.

But there are still some concerning pictures available, and that’s the Phillies’ bullpen!

The Phillies’ bullpen might eat up the October dreams

Philadelphia’s bullpen has been the biggest sore point in an otherwise strong 2025 campaign. With a team bullpen ERA at 4.65 and ranked #26 in the league, it’s surely concerning.

The bullpen took the biggest hit after Jose Alvarado was handed an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy. He had been the most reliable late-inning option, and losing him disrupted the entire bullpen structure.

The next biggest reason is the below-average stint of Jordan Romano. Currently standing with a 6.51 ERA and 35 SOs, he is yet to find his groove. Meanwhile, Matt Strahm has had flashes of effectiveness (3.73 ERA), but too often allows hard contact, making him an unreliable ninth-inning option.

But there are some bright spots, too. Orion Kerkering has been a pleasant surprise, showing flashes of future closer potential (2.37 ERA). And if the rumors are to be believed, the Phillies are actively considering bullpen help from Triple-A. We will probably see names like Max Lazar, Joel Kuhnel, and Koyo Aoyagi soon on the biggest stage.

Moreover, with the trade deadline nearing, a few external helps might also be on the cards. And it better be because if the Phillies want to make a deep October run, reinforcing the bullpen will be a non-negotiable move.