Bryce Harper Provides Health Update After Dugout Fall

The Philadelphia Phillies' tough start to the season was made even worse on Saturday after star Bryce Harper went over the dugout railing while trying to catch a foul ball. This collision prompted immediate injury concerns, and the fact Harper was out of the lineup on Sunday only added to the worries.

However, manager Rob Thomson said this was a planned rest day for the first baseman. Harper then spoke with reporters after Philadelphia's win in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves.

Harper confirmed he was already planning to be off on Sunday before his fall. He also said he was sore, which prevented him from playing against the Braves, but he expects to be back in action on Monday as the Phillies turn their attention to the Cincinnati Reds.

It's great to hear from Harper himself on his health following Saturday's unplanned scare. The two-time MVP doesn't seem to be majorly hurt by his tumble, so a return to the lineup is to be expected barring anything significant changing before Monday's contest.

Thankfully, the Phillies got on just fine without leading slugger on Sunday. The club put up a series-high five runs in a 5-4 win, with three crossing the plate in the seventh inning being too much for Atlanta to overcome down the stretch.

Hopefully this fall doesn't have any negative impacts on Harper, who's still looking to get going following a quiet Spring Training. He'll search for his first hit of the season in this series against the Reds, who are slated to start lefty Andrew Abbott on Apri 1.

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