Phillies Manage Bryce Harper Elbow Contusion Ahead Divisional Series

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was hit by a 95-mph fastball on his surgically repaired elbow during a game against the Atlanta Braves, leading to an elbow contusion diagnosis but no serious injury as X-rays came back negative. Harper missed the remainder of the Tuesday game and did not play in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader, though manager Rob Thomson indicated he was making progress and could potentially return for the second game. Thomson emphasized that the pitch from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider was unintentional, a sentiment shared by players and observers, with Strider visibly upset over the incident. Harper is currently batting .267 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs, and his presence is seen as crucial for the Phillies, who hold the best record in Major League Baseball at 35-19. The team remains cautiously optimistic about Harper's recovery, taking his status day-to-day as they continue their pursuit of playoff positioning. Harper's return would bolster a Phillies lineup that has been performing well this season, though his absence has raised concerns about maintaining offensive momentum.