Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper left Wednesday’s 4-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays after being hit on the left elbow by a pitch. Despite the injury, Harper is uncertain about taking time off to rest, saying he feels he would experience the same discomfort regardless.
Harper, who has been dealing with lingering wrist and elbow issues, was struck by a 92 mph fastball from Bowden Francis in the first inning. Though in visible pain, he remained in the game briefly, running the bases and playing defense through the second inning before being replaced by Edmundo Sosa in the third. Manager Rob Thomson said Harper could have continued if necessary but opted for caution.
The 31-year-old Harper is batting .282 with 26 home runs and 76 RBIs this season, his first full year at first base following elbow surgery.
In the same game, Kyle Schwarber hit his 13th leadoff home run of the season, tying Alfonso Soriano’s 2003 record. Schwarber’s 416-foot blast, his 32nd homer of the season, placed him ninth on the all-time leadoff home run list with 44, alongside Brady Anderson. Schwarber finished the game 2-for-3, continuing his recent hot streak. Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Schwarber’s power, while Francis acknowledged the challenge of pitching to the red-hot slugger.
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