Phillies’ superstar Bryce Harper was hit in the upper arm area during Wednesday’s spring training game against the Blue Jays, exiting in the sixth inning | Luke Hales/GettyImages
Bryce Harper is the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Phillies. The two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star is one of the most well-known and electric players in Major League Baseball.
Harper is gearing up for his 14th season and seventh with the Phillies. The 32-year-old was in the starting lineup on Wednesday for his first appearance of spring training, but he left the game in the sixth inning.
Bryce Harper hit by pitch sends Phillies fans into early panic
Harper was 0-for-2 with a strikeout against the Toronto Blue Jays before coming up to the plate in the top of the sixth inning with two men on base. Blue Jays left-hander Richard Lovelady was ahead with a 1-2 count but lost control of a pitch and hit Harper in the right shoulder/head area.
The Phillies’ superstar immediately dropped his bat and his helmet fell to the ground as he walked toward the first base dugout. After a few seconds, Harper picked up his helmet and bat and walked off the field with Phillies trainers.
The extent of Harper’s condition is unknown, but he quickly changed and drove himself back to Clearwater from Dunedin as the Phillies finished the game against the Blue Jays, per Zolecki. He was likely going to leave the game shortly after that at-bat as it was the time of the game when the starters were coming out.
Harper leaving the game was likely out of caution by the Phillies, but the fans couldn’t help but panic after seeing the dangerous hit by pitch. The polarizing ballplayer has a history of getting hit by pitches or thrown at, and although Lovelady’s errant pitch was likely unintentional, Harper and Phillies fans are over seeing it happen time and time again.
The Phillies are looking to bounce back this season after a disappointing end to 2024. Harper is the team’s leader and one of the faces of Philadelphia sports.
The left-handed slugger plays a large role in the team’s success, and his dominance will be necessary to flip the script and compete for a World Series championship in 2025. A healthy Harper is crucial to help the Phillies put last year behind them and be among baseball’s best.
