Just as the Philadelphia Phillies offense has been starting to come around, they might be looking down the barrel at some time without a big piece of the lineup.
First baseman Bryce Harper left Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning after being hit by a pitch during his first-inning at-bat. With a 1-1 count, Harper took a Bowden Francis 92.9 mph four-seam fastball off the left elbow after he wasn't able to get out of the way. He looked to be in an incredible amount of pain but stayed in the game and took first base.
The two-time MVP played the field in the bottom of the first and second innings and it looked like Harper and the Phillies had dodged another bullet. But then Edmundo Sosa pinch-hit in the top of the third.
Bryce Harper exits game after concerning hit by pitch
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Alex Coffey, Harper left with what the Phillies called a "left elbow contusion," and will be evaluated further.
Per the Phillies: Bryce Harper was removed from today's game with a left elbow contusion. He'll be evaluated further.
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) September 4, 2024
It's been well-documented recently that Harper has been dealing with some kind of problem with his right elbow and wrist. His ailments were very apparent when he winced on a swing-and-miss during Tuesday night's game in Toronto.
Despite the visual proof of an injury, the Phillies are saying they're not worried about his right elbow. Manager Rob Thomson even went so far as to say that it's not going to require a stint on the 10-day IL. There's always a chance that this newest injury to Harper's left elbow will force him to the injured list.
The problems with his right arm have sapped Harper's home run power, as he hasn't hit a long ball since Aug. 9. Despite slashing .300/.378/.413 over 91 plate appearances since Aug. 10, the Phillies are missing the dynamic power in the third spot in the lineup.