Spanish
United States— What promised to be an exciting duel between Bryce Harper and Spencer Strider took an alarming turn in the first inning of this Tuesday's game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
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The Phillies' star slugger was hit by a 95 mph fastball on the right elbow by the Braves' pitcher, causing moments of tension in the stadium. Harper was visibly in pain, dropped the bat, held his arm, and fell to his knees while being attended to by the team's medical staff and manager Rob Thomson.
Following the initial assessment, Harper walked off the field under his own power and was replaced by Dominican pinch-runner Edmundo Sosa. Subsequently, the Phillies reported that Harper suffered a contusion on his right elbow, but X-rays were negative, ruling out a fracture.
This incident raises concern due to the player's medical history, who underwent Tommy John surgery on that same elbow after the 2022 World Series. Although Harper managed to return in May 2023, he has occasionally dealt with discomfort in that area, although without missing recent playing time.
In the current regular season, Harper has a record of 3 hits in 16 at-bats against Strider (.188), although he has performed better in the postseason against the same pitcher, including a home run.
The Phillies have not yet confirmed whether Harper will be available for the rest of the series against Atlanta.
