Harper out for Phils-Braves Game 1 after HBP, but doing ‘a lot better than we expected'
Rob Thomson was encouraged by Harper’s progress since he took a Spencer Strider fastball to the arm Wednesday night.
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Harper out for Phils-Braves Game 1 after HBP, but doing ‘a lot better than we expected' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Bryce Harper was absent from the Phillies’ lineup for Game 1 of the team’s split doubleheader Thursday vs. the Braves.
However, Rob Thomson was encouraged by Harper’s progress since he took a Spencer Strider fastball to the arm Wednesday night and exited the game with a right elbow contusion. The Phillies’ manager was unsure whether Harper would be available to play Game 2.
“He came in yesterday for treatment,” Thomson said. “He’s in there now, I believe. Still had swelling, still was in pain, but it was a lot better than we expected.”
Thomson moved Alec Bohm to first base for Game 1 and put him in the cleanup spot. Edmundo Sosa got the start at third base and batted seventh.
Could Harper be a pinch-hitting option Thursday?
“He hasn’t even swung the bat yet, so I’m not really sure,” Thomson said. “I wouldn’t put him in a game until he’s comfortable swinging.”
Thomson was asked why the Phillies didn’t retaliate following the first-inning HBP.
“Because it’s not on purpose,” he said. “Simple as that. If I think somebody’s throwing at one our hitters, I don’t know what I’d do. But if it’s a pitch that gets away from a pitcher, which I believe it was and I think everybody in our clubhouse thinks it was, that’s baseball. It happens.”
When Harper does return, Thomson certainly wouldn’t mind seeing his right elbow protected at the plate with a guard.
“I think it’s a little uncomfortable for him,” he said. “I think he feels like it restricts him a little bit, but I hope he wears it.”
