Injury scare for Bryce Harper after hit-by-pitch on elbow, x-rays show no fracture

Harper leaves game after Hit-by-Pitch against braves
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper left Tuesday (May 27) night’s game against the Atlanta Braves after being hit on the right elbow by a fastball during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. The pitch, delivered by Braves starter Spencer Strider, registered 95 mph and came on an 0-1 count.

Harper immediately showed signs of discomfort, clutching his elbow and walking toward the Phillies’ dugout before dropping to one knee. Phillies manager Rob Thomson and a team trainer responded quickly to assess the injury. After a short evaluation, Harper walked off the field and did not return.


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Edmundo Sosa entered the game as a pinch-runner and took over defensively at third base. Alec Bohm moved from third to first base to adjust for Harper’s early departure. Following further examination, the Phillies announced that Harper suffered a right elbow contusion. X-rays taken at the stadium were negative, ruling out any structural damage or fracture.

Harper underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after the 2022 World Series and missed the first 30 games of the 2023 season during his recovery. He also experienced elbow irritation late in the 2023 campaign, though the issue was considered minor and unrelated to his previous surgery.

In regular-season matchups against Spencer Strider, Harper is 3-for-16 (.188). However, he has had more success against the Braves pitcher in postseason play, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three walks, including one intentional walk.

The Phillies have not announced whether Harper will require additional testing or miss any future games. His availability for the remainder of the series will likely be determined based on how the contusion responds to treatment.