Phillies lose 5-4 to the Padres on July 13, 2025, despite Bryce Harper's return. Alec Bohm exits with an injury as the Phils drop their third straight.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that was supposed to be a jolt of energy for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bryce Harper was back in the lineup, a sight for sore eyes. Instead, the Phils left Petco Park with more questions than answers, dropping a tight 5-4 contest to the Padres for their third straight loss and, to make matters worse, losing Alec Bohm to an injury in the process.
With the loss, the Phillies dropped to 54-41 on the season, now trailing the first-place New York Mets by half a game in the National League East.
The game felt like a summary of the team's recent frustrations. The offense showed flashes of life, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a clutch two-run double from Trea Turner. Nick Castellanos later added a solo blast. But it wasn't enough. The Padres chipped away, taking the lead and holding on. Starter Cristopher Sánchez battled through five innings, allowing three runs, but the bullpen couldn't keep the game tied, with Tanner Banks ultimately taking the loss after allowing the go-ahead run. Despite outhitting San Diego 9-8, the Phillies stranded seven runners, a familiar and painful story for a team that can't seem to find the big hit when it matters most.
The big news heading into Saturday was the return of the franchise cornerstone. Bryce Harper was activated from the 10-day injured list and immediately slotted into his usual third spot in the order, going 1-for-4 in his return. To make room, infielder Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment. But the good feeling from Harper's return was short-lived. In the fourth inning, third baseman Alec Bohm was struck by a pitch on his left side. He finished the at-bat but was replaced defensively in the bottom of the frame. The diagnosis—a bruised left rib—leaves a cloud of uncertainty over a key part of the Phillies' infield and lineup.
Losing is one thing, but losing while your division rival is winning is another. The loss, combined with a Mets victory, officially knocked the Phillies out of first place in the National League East. They now sit at 54-41, a half-game behind New York. What was a comfortable lead just a week ago has evaporated during this three-game skid. Every game now carries that extra weight of the pennant race, and the Phils are suddenly the ones looking up in the standings.
The Phillies need to right the ship, and fast. With Harper back, the offense should have its centerpiece, but the lineup is only as strong as its weakest link, and right now, the bullpen and situational hitting are springing leaks. All eyes will be on the series finale tomorrow to see if they can salvage a win, stop the bleeding, and regain their footing in a divisional race that's getting tighter by the day. The status of Alec Bohm will be the story to watch.
