PHILADELPHIA – The crash heard worldwide, Bryce Harper has never been a player known for taking it easy. His collision with the dugout railing on Saturday was a noble effort to snag a pop-up but to manager Rob Thomson, it was an indication for taking a game off.
Star Slugger Sidelined (For Today)
We’re two games into the season with the third on tap and so far, the Phils have looked anything but a World Series team. A 9-3 slaughter on Opening Day was soon followed up by a 12-4 shellacking yesterday as it seems they’re still trying to find their mojo for competitiveness. The 1-2 punch consisting of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola was solid on one half here as the latter surrendered seven earned runs in only 4.1 IP.
Aside from pitching, the offense has been slacking to begin the year with only seven total runs tallied between two games. Now it seems Harper is taking things into his own hands and putting his health on the line a year removed from Tommy John surgery. A tough pop-up by Austin Riley gave the first baseman ample opportunity to catch as it ended up a few clicks away while he tumbled head-first over the dugout railing.
The good news was that Harper got up just fine after attempting to make the play but Thomson pulled him in the eighth inning as the slaughter fest was finally concluding. Bryce had also been dealing with back soreness during Spring Training so this precaution was necessary. He ended the day 0 for 3 at the plate with a walk and run scored while swiping his first bag of the season.
Following the closure of the game, Thomson spoke to the media regarding Harper’s situation and stated, “It’s Bryce. He’s going to play the game hard, all the time.” He further elaborated, “It’s tough to rein him in. It’s just the way it is. He’s probably going to be a little sore tomorrow.” The decision for today has been made but there was confirmation that he will be back in the lineup tomorrow to resume his duties.
Harper’s Outlook Moving Forward
He’s currently in his first full season as the team’s starting first baseman due to two circumstances that arose last season to put him there. The first was the Achilles tear of former Phillie, Rhys Hoskins, during Spring Training last year which subsequently led to his departure to the Brewers in the off-season. The second was Harper’s sixth-month removal from Tommy John surgery and could only take on a position that required limited throwing if any at all. The Phillies would be smart to work cautiously around Harper and any lingering issues.
Although ruled out for today’s matchup, he could very well find himself pinch-hitting if necessary according to The Athletic’s beat writer, Matt Gelb. After dropping the first two games of the series, chances are Harper will find himself in today’s action. The first pitch between Atlanta and Philly is slated for 1:35 p.m. ET start time in the next chapter of this heated divisional series.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
