Bryce Harper Discusses Elbow Injury After Being Hit by Pitch

Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper remains sidelined for a third consecutive game following a right elbow injury sustained from a pitch on Tuesday. Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Harper revealed he has not swung a bat since the injury and is uncertain about the possibility of landing on the injured list.

At 32 years old, Harper described his elbow as "still super sore" after being struck by a 95.6 mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of Philadelphia's 2-0 victory over Atlanta. He exited the game with a bruised elbow, although X-rays confirmed no fractures.

"I'm not sure when I'm going to play again," Harper stated. "It hit me in a pretty bad spot. The swelling has gone down, which is good, but it's a really tough spot where he got me. I just want to be smart about it, too."

Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism regarding Harper's situation, indicating he does not anticipate Harper will require a stint on the injured list. "We'll have to see," Thomson noted. "We need to get the swelling out and get him pain-free, or close to it."

Upon his return, Harper plans to wear a protective guard on his right elbow, likely the same one he utilized after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. "It's really hard to find braces that feel good and aren't bulky," he explained. "I haven't worn them much throughout my career, just occasionally to test them out. I did wear one in spring training this year for this reason, but I didn't like how it felt."

Harper acknowledged that Strider "obviously" did not intend to hit him and understands why pitchers target him inside. Notably, he has been hit by a pitch three times in his last four games. "That's where teams go against me," he remarked. "It's frustrating because guys throw so hard now. But that's where they aim—sinkers in, heaters up and in. I understand the strategy behind throwing inside; I support it in baseball for getting hitters off balance, but control is crucial. Guys throw too hard now to be reckless up and in."

Despite the risks, Harper does not intend to adjust his position at the plate upon his return. However, he admitted that the increased velocity in today's game makes it "a little scarier" to stand closer to the plate. "There's a little bit of give and take," he added. "Wearing a brace or an arm guard helps."