Bryce Harper ‘feeling good,’ returns to the Phillies’ lineup vs. the Padres

The Phillies returned home a game and a half ahead of the Mets in the National League East standings. As they try to build on that lead, they’ll have Bryce Harper back in the lineup.

Harper was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Monday ahead of the Phillies’ series opener against the Padres. As a corresponding move, Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment.

“It’s kind of been at a standstill the last couple days of feeling good,” Harper said. “So hopefully it stays there.”

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Harper had been placed on the injured list on June 7 with right wrist inflammation, the same injury that had plagued him at certain points last season. After being shut down from throwing and swinging completely for several days, Harper worked his way back to full function, including hitting off minor league pitchers on Saturday in Atlanta.

He doesn’t know yet how he will manage his wrist to prevent a recurrence of the injury, but plans to take things day by day. He said he may take days off if needed, and the Phillies are off Thursday, allowing him to ease back in.

“It feels way better than where I was three weeks ago or four weeks ago, or whatever it was. So I’m happy with where we are,” Harper said. “Ultimately, it’s going to come down to how I feel each day.”

Harper’s wrist also feels better than it did when he played through the injury last year, he said.

Harper has played just three games in June, and also missed time at the end of May after being hit by a Spencer Strider fastball. This season, the first baseman is slashing .258/.368/.446 with nine home runs and 35 walks in 57 games.

“It makes our lineup a lot longer. Gives us another guy that’s selective and understands the strike zone. He’s going to put some more slug in the lineup,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

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In Harper’s absence, Otto Kemp had seen more playing time at first base, particularly against right-handed starters. Kemp, who is hitting .246 with 10 RBIs in 20 games, was out of the lineup on Monday against Padres right-hander Matt Waldron.

Thomson said Kemp will continue to get opportunities. He can fill in at first base if Harper needs a day off, and can play different positions, including left field, against left-handed starters.

“I really liked his at-bats. I’d like to get him in there as much as I can,” Thomson said.

Harper has taken notice of the rookie, too.

“He’s been great. I would imagine he’s going to stick around and be in our lineup,” Harper said. “He’s deserved the right to do that, I think, with the way he’s played. So it’s been a lot of fun to see him do his job. Had a huge hit [Sunday] in Atlanta. And I think the way he’s played first base as well has been top notch.”

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Mick Abel, who did not pitch as scheduled on Friday against the Braves due to a lengthy rain delay after he already warmed up, threw a bullpen session on Monday to stay on track for his next start. … Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait were named to the roster for the MLB Futures game, although Painter will not pitch. … Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36).