Bryce Harper, the star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, suffered a scare during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. In the bottom of the first inning, Harper was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, causing him to take a knee in pain. Harper, who had previously undergone Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2022, immediately felt the impact on the same elbow.
The team’s manager, Rob Thompson, and the trainer rushed to Harper’s side to assess the injury. Fortunately, X-ray reports came back negative, revealing that Harper had suffered a right elbow contusion. Despite the initial scare, Harper was able to walk off the field on his own.
In Harper’s absence, infielder Edmundo Sosa stepped up to fill the void, with Alec Bohm taking over at first base. The Phillies, who are currently on a hot streak with a 34-19 record and a nine-game win streak, will sorely miss Harper’s presence in the lineup.
This injury is particularly concerning as it affects the same elbow that Harper had surgery on following the 2022 season. Despite a speedy recovery and return to the team in 2023, Harper’s current injury raises questions about the long-term impact of his previous surgery. Last season, Harper experienced elbow irritation on the same arm, though it was unrelated to his Tommy John surgery.
In the 2025 season, Harper has been a standout performer for the Phillies, recording 8 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a batting average of .267. As a key player for the team, his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming games.
The Phillies will have to wait for further updates on Harper’s condition and his return timeline. In the meantime, fans and the team will be hoping for a speedy recovery for their star outfielder.
