Wheeler, Castellanos Lead Phillies to 4-0 Shutout Win Over Padres in Harper's Return

Monday, June 30th, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — Zack Wheeler was dominant on Monday night, striking out 10 over eight innings as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0. Nick Castellanos homered for the Phillies, and Bryce Harper returned to the lineup in the winning effort.

Harper, playing in his first game since June 5 after recovering from right wrist inflammation, went 0-for-2. Batting third and starting at first base, he was hit by a pitch on the left foot, walked, and hit into an unassisted double play.

Wheeler improved his record to 8-3, allowing just six hits and walking no batters in another outstanding performance for the NL East leaders.

Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made a highlight-reel play in the third inning. He reached high over the wall in straightaway center to rob Max Kepler of a potential three-run home run, preventing the game from getting out of hand early.

Despite Merrill's defensive gem, the rest of the game belonged to Philadelphia.

Bryson Stott's hustle contributed to the Phillies' scoring. After walking and stealing second base, Stott raced home on a grounder hit by Brandon Marsh to first base, scoring on a head-first slide to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Marsh later scored on a Trea Turner infield single, extending the lead to 3-0.

Castellanos added a solo home run off Padres starter Matt Waldron in the fifth inning to make it 4-0. Waldron, a knuckleballer, was making his season debut after spending time on the injured list with a left oblique strain. He struggled with control, walking six batters in 4 2/3 innings, and fell to 0-1 on the season.

Key moment

In the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and one out, Wheeler induced pinch-hitter Trenton Brooks to hit a line drive directly to Stott at second base. Stott quickly flipped the ball to Turner at the bag for an inning-ending double play, preserving the Phillies' lead.

Key stat

Zack Wheeler allowed a total of only two earned runs across his five starts in June, highlighting his exceptional performance during the month.

Up next

The series continues with the Phillies sending left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) to the mound. He will face Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36 ERA).

In summary

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0. Zack Wheeler was outstanding for the Phillies, pitching eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. Nick Castellanos hit a solo home run. Bryce Harper returned to the lineup for Philadelphia. The Padres' Jackson Merrill made a spectacular defensive play, while Bryson Stott contributed offensively with his baserunning. Matt Waldron took the loss for San Diego in his season debut.

Related Links

• San Diego Padres News & Updates
• San Diego Padres Schedule & Scores
• Philadelphia Phillies News & Updates
• Philadelphia Phillies Schedule & Scores
• MLB News