While the Philadelphia Phillies have been the hottest team in Major League Baseball recently, one concerning trend has started to emerge. Star first baseman Bryce Harper has already been hit by three pitches this season, with the latest one against the Atlanta Braves forcing him to exit the game.
Spencer Strider lost control of a fastball high and inside that hit Harper on the right arm, causing what has been deemed a right elbow contusion. X-rays were negative, but it was a scary situation that saw the Phillies’ long-term aspirations flash before their very eyes.
Phillies analyst and color commentator for NBC Sports Philadelphia, Ruben Amaro Jr., believes that not only does there have to be some retaliation for this incident, but that there will be.
“Here’s the thing. Strider is a guy who has already hit three batters this year,” Amaro Jr. said. “He does not have the same command. Now, is there a purpose behind this pitch? Probably wanted to get inside, probably doesn’t have the command to get inside, but someone will pay for that, I've got to believe.
There’s a lot of baseball to play against the Atlanta Braves, and I will tell you that somebody on that mound will do the job by retaliating. I’m not sure when, but they have plenty of time to do it, and it certainly should happen. For me, even if it wasn’t purposeful to hit him, I think that retaliation is sometimes the right thing to do.”
Overall, if the Phillies want to contend for a World Series they need a healthy Bryce Harper. The two-time MVP is already well on his way toward getting hit more than he ever has in his career in 2025. This trend cannot continue.
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