Losing a game is bad for the Philadelphia Phillies. Losing Bryce Harper for any amount of time is worse.
The Phillies placed their star slugger on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring on Friday. Examinations showed a low-grade strain, which means Harper could return when he’s eligible to come off the IL on July 9, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. However, the Phillies could also decide to give him another 10 days to recover if they keep him out through the All-Star break.
The former MVP limped off the field Thursday with an apparent hamstring injury sustained on a game-ending groundout. Harper ran full-speed up to first base but took an awkward final step and pulled up in clear discomfort.
Following the game, Harper said he’d “never felt anything like this before.” Still, he appears to have avoided a more serious injury.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before.”
Bryce Harper speaks with the media following the left hamstring injury he sustained on the final play of the game. pic.twitter.com/WYY7DMKEUD
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 28, 2024
The Phillies, who lost 7-4 to the last-place Miami Marlins, already had enough to worry about after left fielder Kyle Schwarber exited the game due to left groin tightness. Schwarber is also going on the IL due to a mild strain, but he is likely to return after 10 days.
Manager Rob Thomson didn’t have any update on Harper immediately after Thursday’s game. He said Schwarber’s removal was mostly precautionary, and the injury occurred on an off-balance throw from the outfield.
Schwarber added that he didn’t think the injury was “super serious,” but he would likely undergo imaging.
Harper and Schwarber are each in the midst of another strong year, with Harper in particular a standout. He was revealed earlier Thursday to have led the National League in the first round of All-Star voting, making him an automatic starter at first base. The Phillies can only hope he’ll be ready in time.
