Phillies news and rumors 4/26: Bryce Harper continues post-paternity-leave success

Bryce Harper homered on Thursday. (Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire)

Phillies star first baseman Bryce Harper officially made an amusing one-off story a trend on Thursday afternoon as he homered in his first game back off the paternity list for the second time in his career.

After missing the first three games of the series for the birth of his third child and second daughter, Harper crushed a hanging changeup for a two-run home run as part of a third-inning rally that helped carry Philadelphia to a 5-0 victory and a four-game series split against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

It was an exciting moment for Harper in his return during an inning that saw the Phillies rack up four runs and four extra-base hits. Additionally, it was a familiar scene for the two-time National League MVP.

The 31-year-old Harper also homered in his first game back off the paternity list following the birth of his first child, Krew. He hit an eighth-inning shot in August 2019 after he and his wife, Kayla, welcomed their son. The Harpers had their first daughter, Brooklyn, following the 2020 season, so Bryce didn’t need a stint on the paternity list.

Harper went 2-for-3 with a walk on Thursday, getting right into the swing of things following some time with his family before the Phillies continue their road trip out West for 10 games, starting with a three-game set in San Diego that begins Friday.

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