Bryce Harper gets real after appalling Phillies loss: “We can’t keep doing it”

May 24, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) (left) reacts with his dugout after hitting a two run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) (left) reacts with his dugout after hitting a two run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Harper is fed up with the Philadelphia Phillies losing

In 2021, Bryce Harper carried the Philadelphia Phillies, keeping them relevant deep into September.

And after an offseason full of pricey upgrades that exceeded the luxury tax threshold for the first time in franchise history, Harper probably assumed – or at least hoped – that things would be different this year.

But once again, Harper has to carry the team. A tear in his UCL has kept him out of the outfield, but he’s still leading the National League with a .617 slugging percentage. He and Kyle Schwarber lead the team with 10 home runs; Harper’s tenth came last night and should have handed his team the win.

Understandably, Harper is sick of losing. The usually-quiet slugger didn’t mince words postgame:

“We can’t keep doing it.We’ve got to win games. Baseball happens, you win, you lose. It’s part of the game, but a game like that — we’ve got to win a game like that.”

He also posted this somewhat cryptic Instagram story:

On paper, the Phillies are a team built to win, but Harper is one of the only ones on track to finish the season with any kind of award. He’s made it clear since winning the MVP award last fall that that’s he’s not here to win individual accolades.

The question is, what will be enough to finally change this team?