Bryce Harper homers in first at-bat in return to Phillies' lineup after 5 game absence

TORONTO (AP) — With Bryce Harper back in the lineup, the Philadelphia Phillies got off to a booming start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Harper hit one of two Philadelphia home runs in a six-run first inning off right-hander Bowden Francis in Tuesday's series opener.

It was Harper’s first at-bat since he was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of a game last week. The home run was his ninth.

“I felt good, body feels good," Harper said. "Arm is still a little sore but I feel good.”

Back in action after missing five games with a bruised right elbow, Harper finished 1 for 3 with two walks and scored twice as the Phillies won 8-3, snapping a four-game losing streak.

“He makes our lineup so much better,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.

The Phillies went 1-4 without Harper and fell out of first place in the NL East.

Harper followed a two-run home run by Trea Turner with a 394-foot blast, with both homers landing in Philadelphia's right field bullpen. It was the third time this season the Phillies have gone back-to-back.

Turner said Harper's presence in the lineup forces opposing teams to change their game plans.

“He affects so many different people in so many different ways,” Turner said. “That’s why he’s so good.”

Harper’s elbow, which underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2022 World Series, remains a sensitive area.

“Yeah, there’s swelling,” he said. “I think it’s going to take a minute to go down but I thought today was a good day for me to get back out there. It’s definitely bruised still and all that stuff, but we’re working through it.”

In light of the injury, Harper wore a protective guard on his elbow Tuesday.

“Felt a little bulky but felt good,” Harper said.

AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) is seen during fifth inning MLB baseball action against Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto on Tuesday June 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) crosses home plate in front of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) after scoring off a throwing error from Blue Jays' Addison Barger during the second inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Tuesday June 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis during the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Tuesday June 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper is led to the dugout after being hit by a pitch from Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

FILE- Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after being hit by a pitch from Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper is hit by a pitch Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider during a baseball game, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before taking the field for their game at the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

The Vikings have alternated between making and missing the playoffs in four seasons under coach Kevin O'Connell. Minnesota lost in the wild-card round after going 13-4 in 2022, O'Connell's first year, and 14-3 in 2024.

Minnesota started 3-2 before losing six of seven games after its open week. The Vikings stopped a four-game losing streak with a 31-0 victory over Washington last week that ended up being too little, too late.

J.J. McCarthy is in his first season as the starting quarterback after his rookie year was wiped out by a torn meniscus in his right knee. Injuries have marred this season as well, including a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games.

The Vikings beat NFC North rival Detroit to even their record at 4-4 in McCarthy's return on Nov. 2 before losing the next four. McCarthy struggled through the losing streak before throwing a season-best three touchdown passes and going without a turnover for the first time against the Commanders.

Minnesota chose to stick with McCarthy after his promising 2024 preseason, even though a breakout year from Sam Darnold resulted in a playoff trip. The Vikings let Darnold go to Seattle in free agency.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)