Phillies: Bryce Harper hit by pitch, out of lineup saturday
By CJ Luther
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper leaves Friday’s contest after being hit by a pitch. How much time will he miss?
On Friday night, Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies began a three-game set with the New York Mets in Queens, NY. Both teams have been jockeying for the NL Wild Card, battling it out amongst the teams in contention for the second spot.
Things have not necessarily been encouraging for the Phillies, who have been hanging on over recent weeks. Their starting staff has been inconsistent, their bullpen has faltered, and their playoff odds have dropped precipitously.
With the toughest strength-of-schedule in the MLB, every single game from here on out is crucial for the Phils and their hopes of playing in October.
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Those dreams took a hit last night, as Bryce Harper was hit on a first-pitch sinker in the top of the third inning by Mets LHP Steven Matz. The pitch ran up and in on Harper, hitting him on his right hand. Luckily, Harper was able to move his head out of the way, avoiding what would’ve been a much scarier situation.
Harper, in obvious pain, was immediately pulled from the game. It’s important to note that there was no animosity in the pitch, evidenced clearly by Matz’ immediate reaction. The two-seamer slipped, and unintentionally beaned Harper. The Mets ultimately won the contest, thanks to a bases-loaded walk issued to Pete Alonso in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Unfortunate as the HBP may have been, it could’ve been much worse. X-rays revealed no serious damage, and Harper is currently listed as day-to-day. He is on the bench tonight, as manager Gabe Kapler has not included him in the lineup for Saturday’s game.
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While catcher J.T. Realmuto has carried much of the offensive weight in the midst of perhaps the best season of his career, the Phillies will need their $330MM man if they hope to make the playoffs. The team has the toughest remaining strength-of-schedule in the NL, and if Bryce Harper misses an extended period of time, playoff baseball in the City of Brotherly Love may have to wait until 2020.