May 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) is looked at by Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59) and trainer Joe Rauch after being hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
Bryce Harper departed Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves after being hit by a Spencer Strider pitch in the area of his right elbow:
This is the errant Spencer Strider pitch that knocked Bryce Harper out of the game.
(Via @TalkinBaseball_)
pic.twitter.com/6kRKCYpf4x
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) May 27, 2025
The Phillies announced that X-rays were negative on Harper's right elbow, calling it a "contusion." Harper had left the stadium by the time media got into the clubhouse postgame, so he wasn't available for comment.
However, Rob Thomson did shed some light on Harper postgame.
"We'll have to re-evaluate in the morning, but the X-rays were negative," Thomson said. "You know, he was certainly in a lot of pain. So whenever one of your top hitters — or your best hitter — gets hit like that, there's always some concern. But he's a tough guy, too."
Rob Thomson discusses Bryce Harper’s status
🎥: @TimKellySports pic.twitter.com/XppzES1rPA
Thomson went on to say that he didn't believe there was any intent from Strider to hit Harper. But Harper was hit twice in Friday's win over the Athletics, and does seem to get plunked at a higher rate than most. That's probably a product of teams being terrified that if they leave a pitch over the middle of the plate, Harper will hit it 400+ feet. That doesn't make it any less scary, though, when Harper gets hit.
The Phillies were able to secure a 2-0 win without Harper Tuesday, improving their NL-best record to 35-19. It remains to be seen whether the two-time NL MVP will be in the lineup Wednesday evening or not.
