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NL East rival replaces Bryce Harper on All-Star roster

By Gabrielle Starr

Jul 11, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins designated hitter Garrett Cooper (26) runs the bases for a double in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins designated hitter Garrett Cooper (26) runs the bases for a double in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marlins’ Garrett Cooper replaces Phillies’ Bryce Harper on All-Star roster

Bryce Harper’s participation in the 2022 All-Star Game was always in doubt.

With a tear in his UCL preventing him from playing the outfield since the second week of the season, most people presumed he’d take the time to rest, instead. Then, when the Philadelphia Phillies star got hit by a Blake Snell pitch at the end of June, a fractured thumb decided for him. No All-Star Game for Harper.

Instead, Miami Marlins slugger Garrett Cooper will sub in. A first baseman/DH, Cooper is hitting .296/.363/.455 with a .818 OPS and seven home runs. The 31-year-old has doubled a career-high 21 times in 77 games, tied for the eighth-most doubles in the National League.

While Cooper is taking the spot on the roster, he won’t be the starting DH as Harper would have been. Atlanta Braves catcher William Contreras will be in the starting nine in Harper’s stead.

While it’s great for Cooper, it’s beyond unfortunate that this is how Harper’s season is shaking out. He was looking like a repeat MVP before the hit-by-pitch, and even after, became the first fan-elected National League DH in All-Star Game history. It’s also a cruel twist of fate that Harper got snubbed for last year’s All-Star Game, only to be hurt when he’s voted in this year.

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