Phillies beat Reds 3-1 on July 6, 2025, as Zack Wheeler's gem and a Stott HR set the stage for Bryce Harper's return. Get the full recap and analysis.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. Just when you thought the high from Zack Wheeler's absolute masterpiece couldn't get any better, the Phillies dropped the news every fan has been waiting for: Bryce Harper is back. The Phils secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Reds on Sunday thanks to a dominant performance from their ace and a clutch homer from Bryson Stott, but as the new week begins, the energy is amplified by the return of the two-time MVP to the heart of the lineup.
Zack Wheeler was simply masterful, facing just one batter over the minimum in a complete game, 11-strikeout gem that screamed 'Cy Young frontrunner'.
Let's start with the on-field brilliance. Zack Wheeler put the team on his back Sunday, delivering one of the most dominant pitching performances of the season. A complete game, one-run, 11-strikeout masterpiece where he faced only 28 batters—one over the minimum. It was vintage Wheeler, a display of power and control that has become his signature and further solidifies his Cy Young campaign. The game remained a tense 1-1 duel until the bottom of the eighth, when Bryson Stott stepped up and launched a go-ahead, two-run homer off the auxiliary scoreboard. It was the perfect, dramatic ending to a game completely owned by the Phillies' ace.
As if the win wasn't enough, the Phillies activated Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list on Monday. His return from a nagging wrist injury is a monumental boost for an offense that has held its own but desperately missed his presence. Getting your best hitter back in the lineup just as the trade deadline pressure starts to build is a massive shot in the arm. To make room, the team designated Buddy Kennedy for assignment, who was subsequently sent outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. While it's tough for Kennedy, having Harper's bat back changes everything for this team's ceiling.
The front office has been busy tweaking the roster beyond the big Harper news. In recent days, we've seen a flurry of moves aimed at bolstering depth. Pitchers Seth Johnson and top prospect Mick Abel were both optioned to Triple-A, likely to manage innings and keep them ready for a potential call-up. The team also made a small but interesting move, acquiring infielder Donovan Walton from the Mets for cash. These aren't headline-grabbing deals, but they show the organization is actively working to improve versatility and shore up the pitching depth for the long haul.
With their ace dealing like a man possessed and their superstar slugger returning to the fold, the Phillies are entering a crucial stretch with serious momentum. The energy at the Bank is about to hit another level. Now, all eyes turn to the front office as the trade deadline looms. Will they add another piece to this already formidable puzzle? One thing is certain: it's a great time to be a Phillies fan.
