Bryce Harper to miss Game 1 of doubleheader against Braves, Game 2 status uncertain
PHILADELPHIA AP Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is out of the lineup for the first competition of Thursday s doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves because of a right elbow injury Harper was hit by a mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of Tuesday night s event X-rays were negative and the crew established no fracture but swelling and pain have kept the -year-old Harper sidelined for now Phillies manager Rob Thomson provided an optimistic update noting that Harper was a lot better than we expected after receiving cure on Wednesday However Harper remains day-to-day and his availability for Thursday s second meeting is still uncertain I m not sure if he ll be available but he s doing better Thomson reported He came in the preceding day for medication He s in there now I believe he still had swelling and was still in pain but it s a lot better than we expected so it s making progress He hasn t swung the bat yet I wouldn t put him in a encounter until he s at ease swinging a bat Thomson added that Harper had no additional testing on the elbow aside from the original X-rays He also announced he hopes Harper will wear an elbow guard once he does return to action I think it s a little uncomfortable for him I think he feels like it restricts him a little bit Thomson explained But I hope he wears it Harper a two-time MVP has been a key contributor to the Phillies strong start this season batting with eight home runs RBIs and an OPS of over games Earlier this month he reached a major career milestone by recording his th RBI becoming just the th participant in MLB history to tally RBIs runs and walks before turning In Harper s absence Alec Bohm has shifted to first base with Edmundo Sosa starting at third The Phillies are presently leading the NL East and continue their series against the Braves with hopes of maintaining their momentum despite Harper s temporary absence AP MLB https apnews com hub mlb Source
