The Philadelphia Phillies got a scare Tuesday night when superstar first baseman Bryce Harper crumpled to the dirt after taking a 95.3 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider square on his right elbow in the first inning. Harper, visibly in pain, stayed down for several minutes before being helped off the field, leaving Phillies fans holding their breath. The concern? It’s the same elbow that required Tommy John surgery after the 2022 World Series, a procedure that sidelined him for much of 2023. For more on Harper’s 2025 stats, check the sports card above.
The good news came quickly: X-rays were negative, and the Phillies diagnosed Harper with a right elbow contusion, per team updates and posts on X. Manager Rob Thomson called it a painful hit but noted Harper’s history of bouncing back fast, saying, “He’s in a lot of pain, but X-rays were thankfully negative.” Fans on X echoed the relief, with one posting, “Bryce is built different—he’ll probably DH tomorrow.” Others weren’t so sure, pointing out the elbow’s surgical history and Harper’s importance to a 34-19 Phillies team that owns baseball’s best record.
Harper’s been a force this season, even if his .267 average, eight homers, and .825 OPS are a tick below his MVP-level norms. Those numbers still make him a cornerstone for a Phillies lineup that’s powered them to the top of the NL East. The pitch, a 0-1 fastball from Strider (0-3), wasn’t just a fluke—it caught the same elbow that’s been a nagging concern since his 2022 surgery. Harper’s toughness is legendary, with X users like
@PhilliesBell noting, “He’s back tomorrow if you know Bryce.” Still, Thomson hasn’t confirmed if Harper will play in Wednesday’s game, leaving the door open for a day-to-day approach.
The Phillies’ depth will be tested if Harper misses time. With Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto anchoring the lineup, they’ve got firepower, but losing Harper’s bat and presence would sting against a tough Braves squad. For now, the negative X-rays are a sigh of relief for a team eyeing another deep playoff run. Harper’s no stranger to playing through pain, but Philly fans will be watching his next at-bat like hawks, hoping their slugger’s ready to swing for the fences again.
