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Bryce Harper Hasn’t Swung a Bat Since Getting Hit
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
The Phillies kick off a 3-game set with Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Citizens Bank Park, but Bryce Harper won’t be out there.
Harper, who got hit by a 95 mph fastball from Spencer Strider in the right elbow on Tuesday night, will miss his 3rd straight game on Friday. Harper spoke to reporters before today’s game, and said that the pain is definitely still there, but he doesn’t think it will require a trip to the IL.
The Phillies have obviously been cautious with their star first baseman. There’s no reason to throw him back into a game in May because he thinks it feels better. The team is going to get Harper’s elbow 100% right, and until then, he won’t play.
Harper took grounders at first base today pregame, but did mostly underhand tosses rather than overhand throws. Harper called it a “super day-to-day” situation. It’s not bad enough to go on the injured list, but he’s not ready to come back just yet.
Harper spoke about the situation with Strider, and how he knows it wasn’t an intentional HBP. He said it’s tough to protect yourself in this league now with how hard some pitchers throw, but that it’s also just the game. Harper confirmed that he’ll wear an elbow guard when he returns to the lineup. It’s definitely a smart move, considering Harper has been hit in 3 of the last 4 games he’s played.
Alec Bohm will play first base until Harper returns. Kyle Schwarber was taking some grounders at first base ahead of Friday’s game, but that would be an absolute emergency scenario. Here’s how the Phillies will line up vs. DL Hall and the Brewers tonight at 6:45 EST:
Luke Arcaini writes about the Phillies for Crossing Broad, covers the Phillies for FOX Sports The Gambler, and co-hosts "Phillies Digest" on YouTube. The wave is the worst thing in all of sports. Contact: lukearcaini8@gmail.com