Bryce Harper’s injury comments are heartbreaking
Bryce Harper’s comments on his injury will break Phillies fans’ hearts
The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a cruel hand on Saturday when an errant pitch fractured Bryce Harper’s thumb.
For the first time since before they signed him, the Phillies will have to attempt to contend without one of the best sluggers in baseball. The reigning National League MVP was hitting .318/.385/.599 with a .985 OPS, 21 doubles, and 15 home runs. He’s essentially an impossible contribution to replace midseason, if at all.
Harper is officially on the 10-Day Injured List, but the real recovery time will likely take months. This week, doctors will determine if he needs surgery. Best-case scenario, he’s back in the fall. Of course, without him, by then, it might be too late for the Phillies.
If you’re feeling terrible about this, you might want to stop reading now, because what Harper had to say about the injury is only going to make you feel worse:
“I’ve never had a hand injury like this, I’ve never broken anything in my life. This is new to me so I’m just going to go day by day.I hate being hurt. Things happen for a reason, everybody says that. This reason sucks right now. But I’ve got to be positive for the guys in here, I know they’ll pick up the slack. I’m just really bummed for the organization, for the guys, the city of Philadelphia, the fans. I love running out there and playing every day. Definitely bummed.I kind of wish it would have hit me in the face. I don’t break bones in my face, so … I can take 98 to the face but I can’t take 97 to the thumb.”
On the one hand, this whole situation is just devastating. But if you’re desperately looking for a bright side, as I am, focus on Harper’s words, which display his deep affection and commitment to this team, city, and fans. He’d rather take a high-speed fastball to the face to keep playing than get hit in the hand. He’s committed to all of it, which, of course, also makes this more painful.
