The Philadelphia Phillies quietly put together one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history in 2024. Their 95-win campaign marked their best record since 2011, when they won 102 games, and ranked as the fourth-highest win total in the team’s 141-year history. The Phillies previously won 101 games in both 1976 and 1977 and recorded 97 victories in 2010. However, just like in those seasons, they fell short of a World Series title—or even a trip to the Fall Classic.

In nearly a century and a half of existence, the Phillies have won just two championships—one dating back to the 19th century before the World Series era—and have reached the World Series only eight times, most recently in 2022 when they lost to the Houston Astros.

Following their 95-win season in 2024, which ended in an NL Division Series loss to the New York Mets, the Phillies head into 2025 with high expectations—and an even higher payroll. At $279.3 million, their payroll is the third-largest in MLB, trailing only the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers at $321 million and their NL East rivals, the Mets, who surged to $314.9 million after signing star outfielder Juan Soto.

Bryce Harper Takes a Pitch to the Triceps

That hefty payroll includes $25.5 million allocated to Bryce Harper in 2025, making his spring training injury scare on Wednesday all the more concerning. The 32-year-old, a former NL Rookie of the Year (2012) and MVP (2021), exited a game after being struck by a 92 mph fastball on his upper right arm, just above the elbow. The impact caused the ball to ricochet toward his head, knocking off his helmet.

Harper, who began his career with the Washington Nationals after being selected first overall in the 2010 draft, signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia in 2019. Following three underwhelming seasons, he helped lead the Phillies back to the World Series in 2022—their first appearance since 2009. They have reached the postseason in each of the past two years, but a healthy Harper will be crucial to maintaining that streak.

After being hit by the pitch from 29-year-old left-hander Richard Lovelady, Harper directed a glare at the Toronto Blue Jays’ dugout and reportedly asked, “What are you doing?” according to The Athletic.

Injury Not as Severe as Feared

Fortunately for the Phillies, Harper appears to have avoided a serious injury. Manager Rob Thomson described it as a “bruised triceps” and said the team was “not overly concerned.” However, the exact timeline for Harper’s return remains uncertain as doctors have yet to complete their evaluation.

Harper’s injury scare comes just days after another setback for the Phillies, as utility man Weston Wilson—who was in contention for a bench role—was ruled out for at least six weeks. Wilson suffered an oblique strain in what he described as a “freak accident” while taking a practice swing in the batting cage at BayCare Ballpark, the Phillies’ spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida.

“I spent a lot of time this offseason getting my body in the best shape possible,” Wilson told MLB.com. “Just a freak accident. I didn’t feel anything before, so there was no warning. Disappointment is probably the biggest word. It sucks.”