Feb 26, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) is hit by a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck
Bryce Harper is such an intimidating hitter that pitchers often try too hard to pitch him inside, which has led to him getting hit on his hand or forearm on multiple occasions in his career.
Fortunately for the Phillies, disaster appears to have been avoided in the latest instance of this dynamic.
Harper made the short trip with the Phillies from Clearwater to Dunedin Wednesday and departed after getting hit by Toronto Blue Jays reliever Richard Lovelady:
Bryce Harper left the game in the 6th inning after being hit by a pitch by Richard Lovelady. pic.twitter.com/WmTHoppEV7
Given that it was the sixth inning, this likely would have been the last at-bat of the day for Harper anyway. And indeed, all appears to be OK with the two-time NL MVP, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic:
Harper seems fine. He left the ballpark under his own volition, and it’ll be the last time he makes a Grapefruit League road trip. Should have a more substantial update later.
Phillies are calling it a bruised right triceps for Harper. No immediate concerns, Rob Thomson said.
Thursday will mark one month until the Phillies travel to D.C. to face the Washington Nationals on Opening Day. In the past, Harper has had to miss significant time after being hit by pitches. There's no indication that will be the case this time. By all accounts, Harper will be at first base on Opening Day against his former team.
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