Phillies Reveal Why Bryce Harper is Out of Lineup on Sunday
The 31-year-old Harper will not play in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves.
By Jovan Alford
The Philadelphia Phillies will try to avoid being swept by the Atlanta Braves on Sunday after losing the first two games of the season-opening three-game series.
It won’t be easy for the Phillies as they will go up against former All-Star starting pitcher Chris Sale, who is coming off a good Spring Training. Philadelphia won’t have a few of their big bats in their lineup for the series finale, which includes first baseman Bryce Harper.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters ahead of first pitch that Harper was scheduled to have a day off, but he’s expected to play tomorrow against the Cincinnati Reds, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Bryce Harper was scheduled to have today off, Rob Thomson said. He is expected to play tomorrow. Harper didn’t play much down the stretch in spring. It’s unclear if he will pinch hit today. (Probably.)
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 31, 2024
The Phillies will have third baseman Alec Bohm hitting in the three-spot and playing first base for Harper. When fans heard that Harper was not playing today, their first thought went back to Saturday’s game where he flew over the railing trying to make a catch.
Bryce Harper took a nasty fall but appears to be okay somehow.
— Zac (@zacvoynow) March 30, 2024
It is day two of the season. pic.twitter.com/qHVdMEOkbq
Thankfully, Harper was okay after taking a scary fall in the dugout, but one has to wonder if he’s still sore from trying to make that diving catch. The 31-year-old slugger has yet to register a hit through the first two games of the regular season, as the Phillies’ offense has struggled.
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