PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia Phillies baseman Bryce Harper was forced to leave Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with an elbow injury after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Harper was hit by a 92.9 mph four-seam fastball on his left elbow from Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis on the third pitch of his at-bat. The Phillies said Harper left the game with a contusion to his left elbow and will remain evaluated. Edmundo Sosa replaced Harper in the third inning.
Harper recently told MLB.com that he’s playing with wrist and elbow irritation.
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Harper was seen slumping in pain after a hit Tuesday night against Toronto, but he returned to the lineup Wednesday. Before Wednesday’s game, Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters he was “fine” and there were no plans to rest him.
Harper has also dealt with other elbow injuries in his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery before 2023 seasonbut returned in record time.
Harper was named to MLB All-Star team for the eighth time this season, as the Phillies attempt to win the NL East for the first time since 2011. They entered Wednesday’s game with an 82-56 record and a seven-game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
Harper has a batting average of .282/.371/.521 with an OPS of .910, 26 home runs and 76 RBIs.
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