PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper missed Thursday’s doubleheader opener against the Atlanta Braves and wasn’t in the starting lineup for the second game, two days after being hit by a pitch on the right elbow.
Harper was hit by a 95.3 mph fastball from Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of Tuesday night’s game. X-rays were negative, but the 32-year-old Harper had swelling and pain.
“He’s doing better,” manager Rob Thomson said before the Phillies won the opener 5-4. “He came in yesterday for treatment. 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 game until he’s comfortable swinging a bat.”
Thomson said Harper had no additional testing after the original X-ray. He said 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 said. “But, I hope he wears it.”
Harper, a two-time MVP, is hitting .267 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs and an .825 OPS.
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