Phillies fans, you did it. Bryce Harper has been voted to his first All-Star Game as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Harper joins Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr. as the National League East’s three representatives on the fan-vote starting lineup for the National League.
Hey now (Bryce Harper), You’re an All-Star
The reigning NL Most Valuable Player will go down in history as the NL’s first fan-voted Designated Hitter in the history of the All-Star Game. Harper did so while maintaining the same type of production from his 2021 MVP season, yielding a 175 OPS+ and 15 home runs in 64 games played.
Now, addressing the elephant in the room.
Bryce Harper will not participate in the All-Star Game as he is still healing from his broken thumb on June 25th against Blake Snell and the San Diego Padres. While there is yet no timeline on Harper’s recovery, it is likely that Harper returns at some point during the month of August. Harper has gone on the record stating he will be back this season, but was unable to give specifics.
“Oh, I’ll be back.”
Bryce Harper to the media on July 5th (via Todd Zolecki)
While Harper will be unable to make his All-Star Game appearance, the honor of All-Star will still be bestowed upon him, one of few honors alluding Harper since joining Philadelphia. Now, the final missing piece to Harper’s resume stands: a World Series championship.
“Hopefully it will heal as quick as possible and I’ll be back. I want to get back… I want to play. I want to be out there with my teammates and grinding each day. They’re playing well right now. I’m excited for them.”
Bryce Harper to the media on July 5th (via Todd Zolecki)
The Phillies have performed well since losing Harper, going 6-4 while taking series victories against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals. If the Phillies can remain afloat until reinforcements arrive, whether it be Harper or in the form of a trade deadline acquisition, the Phillies just might have a chance to earn their first postseason appearance since 2011 and, possibly, the World Series trophy itself.
AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
