"Bryce Harper hasn't hit a home run in a long time" - Ex-GM sees great signs in Phillies after Royals rout despite star first baseman's homer drought

Arguably, no player has made more of a singular impact for their team than Bryce Harper has for the Phillies over the last number of seasons. However, as the playoffs loom large, Philly has been able to rely on more firepower from secondary sources.

In a recent appearance on the Phillies Show, former Philly GM Ruben Amaro Jr. discussed the Phillies' recent series against the Royals. Although the Phillies outscored the Royals 26-12 and took two of three games, the two-time MVP did not steal the show as he regularly did in the past. As Amaro Jr. claimed:

"Bryce Harper really hasn't got it going yet, he hasn't hit a home run in a long time. But it was a great sign, because guys were doing the little things - playing small ball, making contact."

Although Bryce Harper hit three doubles and recorded two RBIs in the series with KC, the 31 year-old has not hit a home run since August 9 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As it happens, the Phillies have not a hit a lot of home runs at all in recent times. Over the last two weeks, the Phillies have recorded just 10 home runs, which is the same number of long balls recorded by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge during that period of time.

"The @Phillies take a 2-0 lead on an RBI double by Bryce Harper! #Casamigos | #MLBNShowcase | #RingTheBell" - MLB Network posted on X.

Despite the lack of consistent power, the Philadelphia Phillies' 76-54 record is enough for them to maintain a comfortable, six-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Moreover, despite the fact that Philadelphia ranks 24th in home runs over the past fortnight, their 71 runs scored ranks fourth most in MLB during that period of time.

Phillies understand that Bryce Harper remains a potent weapon

Despite the current tough stretch, Harper's 26 homers in 2024 are his most since 2021. Last week, when manager Rob Thomson refused to pinch hit Harper in lieu of JT Realmuto in a loss to the Nationals, the Phillies skipper told the Philadelphia Inquirer:

We’re waiting on a couple of guys to get through the [batting] cage and see where they’re at. This time of year, the wear and tear on guys, it takes its toll. Want to make sure they’re OK.”

With Harper only 18 months removed from Tommy John surgery, playing it safe in the run-up to the postseason might be the right call. Thankfully for the Phillies, they are finding other ways to win.