Bryce Harper left Tuesday’s game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves after being hit on his right elbow with a pitch.
Per the TV broadcast, the Phillies announced that X-rays on Harper’s elbow from the Phillies clubhouse were negative. The initial diagnosis was of a contusion.
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The incident took place in the bottom of the first inning. Braves starter Spencer Strider threw a 95 mph fastball inside on an 0-1 count that hit Harper on his elbow. Harper immediately clutched his elbow and eventually knelt to the ground in pain.
The hit was to the same elbow that required Tommy John surgery in 2022.
Edmundo Sosa took Harper’s place on the basepaths after Harper was awarded first base. It’s not immediately clear how much more time if any that Harper will miss or if he’ll require further evaluation of the injury.
Harper, 32, is an eight-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP. He won the fourth Silver Slugger of his career last season and received MVP votes. In 53 games this season, Harper is slashing .267/.372/.450 with eight home runs, 33 RBI and eight stolen bases.
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The Phillies entered Tuesday’s game in first place in the NL East with a 1.5-game lead over the New York Mets. Their 34-19 record entering Tuesday was the best in MLB.
Harper is obviously key to Philadelphia’s hopes of competing for a World Series championship this season.
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