Bryce Harper leaves the Phillies’ game against the Blue Jays after being hit in the elbow by a pitch
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper left Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow.
The incident occurred in the first inning when Philadelphia was leading 1-0. Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis threw a 93 mph fastball inside that hit Harper in the left elbow. Harper immediately dropped his bat and clutched his elbow in pain.
Harper stayed in the game and took first base, but did not return to bat. Edmundo Sosa came in as a pinch hitter for Harper in the third inning.
Phillies radio later reported, citing the club, that Harper had suffered a bruised elbow. Further details about Harper’s injury and prognosis were initially unclear.
Harper, an eight-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP, was sidelined for parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Since the procedure, he has returned to All-Star form and entered Wednesday’s game with a batting average of .282/.371/.521 with 26 home runs and 76 RBI in 122 games.
The Phillies entered Wednesday with an 82-56 record and a seven-game lead over the Atlanta Braves atop the NL East. Harper, of course, is the key player for Philadelphia’s hopes of making a World Series appearance this fall.
